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Navigating the tight end position has been an impossible task all season, with even the normally reliable options at the top of the board faltering more often than not. In a season of twists and turns, naturally, injuries are also throwing a wrench into our plans. Dallas Goedert, Trey McBride, and Dalton Schultz are the latest to find their names on injury reports. Will they be fantasy options for you in Week 13, or will you be forced to stream when the dust settles?
Below, we’ll give you the latest news on these top TEs and break down how their injuries could potentially affect the Week 13 fantasy landscape.
For updates on banged-up RBs Aaron Jones, De’Von Achane, and Kareem Hunt, click here; for news on ailing WRs Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Chris Olave, Tank Dell, and Tee Higgins, go here.
WEEK 13 FANTASY ADVICE:
Sleepers | Busts | Projections | Start-sit
Dallas Goedert injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
Goedert (forearm) didn’t practice on Wednesday. The tight end is continuing to work toward a return from a fractured forearm he suffered in Week 9, though it’s unclear just how realistic his chances of playing are this week. The Eagles famously neglected to put him on IR, which would’ve knocked Goedert out for at least four games. That is especially noteworthy with arguably the team’s two biggest games of the season looming this week and next, with matchups against the 49ers and Cowboys. Because of the bye week, Goedert would’ve been sidelined for both of those big games. He’ll almost certainly need to log some practice time on Thursday or Friday, but the fact that we are even looking for updates is definitely a good sign.
Philly’s star tight end has been one of the more consistent fantasy options at a notoriously inconsistent position, but it remains to be seen how limited he’d be in a quick return to play, just weeks removed from surgery. The 49ers’ defense is a stingy bunch, especially against TEs. Factor in their physical style of play, and it might not make much sense for Goedert to play in Week 13 even if he is active. If you can, keep him on the bench and instead stream someone like Juwan Johnson, Tyler Conklin, or Hunter Henry.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Trey McBride injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
UPDATE: McBride was limited in practice on Thursday.
McBride (groin) was listed as a DNP on Wednesday, but his long-term fantasy outlook took a boost on Thursday, regardless of injury. As initially reported by J.J. Watt, Zach Ertz requested and was granted his release from the Cardinals, leaving McBride as the only fantasy-relevant tight end in town. It’s unclear the severity of the injury or whether the ailing groin will force McBride out of action, meaning Thursday’s update should provide a better idea of whether he’ll suit up in Pittsburgh on Sunday.
The second-year tight end out of Colorado State emerged this season once Ertz (quad) went down with an injury. He’s quickly established himself as a favorite target for Arizona’s quarterbacks, especially Kyler Murray. McBride remains firmly on the starting tier of tight ends in fantasy, having already doubled his production from last year in just 12 games, If he can start scoring more touchdowns, fantasy owners will have uncovered a gem late in the year.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Dalton Schultz injury update, Week 13 fantasy outlook
Schultz (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday and couldn’t get back on the field Thursday either, according to NFL Network’s James Palmer. That doesn’t bode well for Schultz’s chances of playing Sunday against the Broncos, especially since hamstring injuries are always a nuisance to deal with. He popped up on the injury report in advance of Week 11 with the same issue, an indication that this is something Schultz has been dealing with for some time now. Friday will be his last chance to log some level of practice participation, but fantasy owners might want to start making their plans to replace him now.
WEEK 13 DFS:
DK lineup | FD lineup | Best stacks | Best values
It goes without saying, but Schultz is worth starting if he can find his way onto the field against the Broncos. He’s been one of the best fantasy tight ends this season and is playing in one of the league’s most explosive offenses in recent weeks. Add in a matchup against one of the worst defenses at defending tight ends and it would have him primed for a big week. Brevin Jordan and Eric Saubert would work to fill the void left by Schultz if he can’t play, with Jordan being our preferred option thanks to his touchdown upside. We’d still stream Juwan Johnson over Jordan, but he’d be a worthwhile 12-team option if he’s starting.
