Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Donald Parham Jr.

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.

Tuesday, June 3, 8:31 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Tuesday and is in danger of missing the entirety of the 2025 season. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the injury. News came through earlier today that the Steelers removed themselves from conversations with the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith, but their tune quickly changed, and now we know why. It's unfortunate news for the 27-year-old, as he's now set for a lengthy recovery process. It's no secret that Pittsburgh has a glaring need at quarterback, though the lack of weapons on the offense is quickly becoming an understated issue. It's unlikely that Parham Jr. would have made a massive impact in 2025. Still, the team's skill players are relatively thin behind wideout DK Metcalf, tight end Pat Freiermuth, and running back Jaylen Warren.