Who Should I Start? Tyler Higbee or Pat Freiermuth

Thursday, October 2, 7:06 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (hip) has officially been ruled out for the Thursday night divisional matchup in Week 5 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Adam Grosbard of the Los Angeles Daily News. Higbee was listed as doubtful coming into Thursday's game after missing practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. His next chance to return on game day will come in Week 6 on the road against the Baltimore Ravens. With Higbee out against San Francisco, the Rams could go with a committee approach at tight end with Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and rookie Terrance Ferguson. Fantasy managers who have been streaming TEs this year should probably look elsewhere in Week 5. Higbee hasn't been much of a streamer himself through four weeks, catching only six of 11 targets for 62 yards, with receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams getting the bulk of all the targets.

Friday, September 26, 9:13 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start the season and will look to get back on track against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. While the Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing tight ends through three weeks, Freiermuth could see a boost in opportunities given Pittsburgh's injury report. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) are questionable to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Each has been a reliable short-area target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so if either of them misses this international bout in Ireland, Freiermuth would likely absorb some of those looks. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but in a matchup that projects to be low-scoring, Freiermuth remains a risky play and is best considered a stash or backup option.