Who Should I Start? Stephen Carlson or Jake Tonges

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, October 28, 3:56 AM

San Francisco 49ers tight end Luke Tonges has been pushed down the depth chart and back into his former special teams role now that George Kittle is back in action. Tonges saw just eight offensive snaps in Week 7 and was on the field for five in the 49ers' 26-15 loss to the Texans in Week 8. He managed to add another touchdown to his resume, though, securing his lone target for a score from two yards out. During Kittle's stint on injured reserve, Tonges made for a TD-dependent streaming option that paid off with three top-12 finishes among tight ends. On the season, he is up to 26 receptions for 226 yards and four touchdowns. With minimal involvement on offense now, he doesn't belong on fantasy football rosters. He won't be a factor in the 49ers' Week 9 matchup against the Giants.