Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Pat Freiermuth

Friday, October 17, 6:36 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (shoulder, calf) is listed as questionable ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Ertz missed practice to start the week, but was upgraded to a full participant on Thursday. However, Ertz was downgraded to a limited participant on Friday. The veteran tight end is dealing with multiple injuries that could keep him sidelined this weekend. The Commanders are already without Terry McLaurin (quad) for Week 7. Both Ertz and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) is considered questionable for this game. If active, both players figure to play big roles on offense.

Friday, October 17, 12:29 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught four of his five targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's Week 7 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. His touchdowns came on 19-yard and 68-yard receptions, the latter of which gave Pittsburgh a late lead (that they would ultimately relinquish). Freiermuth had not yet posted a fantasy performance with more than 6.1 fantasy points this season (PPR), so Thursday's breakout was admittedly unexpected. It should give fantasy managers optimism moving forward, but there's no denying that the 26-year-old continues to face competition at the tight end position. Fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington each scored touchdowns on Thursday night, too, offering Aaron Rodgers plenty of options when he's looking to target big, physical receivers in the passing game. As a result, managers should view Freiermuth as a low-end TE2 for Week 8.