Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Colson Yankoff

Saturday, September 28, 9:17 PM

The Chicago Bears placed tight end Stephen Carlson (collarbone) on injured reserve Saturday ahead of their Week 4 home matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Carlson, who was just signed from the team's practice squad this past Tuesday, suffered a serious collarbone injury during Thursday's practice and will now miss at least the next four contests. The earliest he is eligible to return will be Nov. 3 -- Chicago's Week 9 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. It's a crushing blow for the 27-year-old who was slated for his first NFL action since his time back in 2020 with the Cleveland Browns. The Bears will roll out their usual three-man tight-end rotation, with Cole Kmet set to take the majority of the snaps and Gerald Everett and Marcedes Lewis working in behind him.

Sunday, August 24, 12:01 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Colson Yankoff finished with two targets and one reception for 52 yards in Washington's final preseason game against the Ravens. Yankoff had a spectacular catch and run as he hauled in a pass up the seam, bounced off a defensive back, and showcased his speed with a 35-yard sprint after the catch. The 2024 undrafted free agent from UCLA is an exceptional athlete with a 9.56 Relative Athletic Score out of a possible 10. He's drawn consistent positive reviews out of Washington training camp for his versatility and impact on special teams. The team's top three tight ends are pretty set with Zach Ertz, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott, but signs point to Yankoff being kept as a fourth as well. If Ertz were to miss any time, Yankoff could be one to see opportunity in the receiving tight end role if Sinnott hasn't earned it.