John

Bates

Ertz’s 2025 season is over after a Week 14 cheap shot resulted in a torn ACL for the 35-year-old veteran. He ends the season with 50 receptions for 504 yards and four touchdowns. Ertz was tenth among tight ends in catches and 12th in yardage before the injury. John Bates will likely operate as Washington’s TE1 for now, though Ben Sinnott could mix in as the Commanders play out the rest of their lost season. Neither Bates nor Sinnott should be played in 12-team leagues.

This was the most likely outcome after McLaurin missed all three days of practice during the week. The veteran receiver is reportedly dealing with an injury to his quad/hip/groin area, but isn’t expected to need surgery to correct the issue at this time. That said, McLaurin met with a core muscle specialist earlier in the week to get a second opinion on the injury, leading us to believe this could be more than a one-week absence. With McLaurin sidelined, Deebo Samuel becomes the default WR1 for the Commanders in Week 4, with veteran Chris Moore and second-year receiver Luke McCaffrey potentially in line to see bigger roles. In addition to McLaurin, the Commanders also ruled out WR Noah Brown (groin/knee) and TE John Bates (calf/groin) for Sunday’s contest.

Tight end John Bates was also held out of practice. Per Dan Quinn, neither player is expected to suit up this week. The absence of Brown could free up a few more routes for rookie wideout Jaylin Lane. Even in an increased role, Lane isn’t on the redraft radar for now.

Quinn said the same of tight end John Bates, who is also dealing with a groin injury. Brown has three catches for 38 yards on seven targets this season and was already well off the fantasy radar. Assuming he’s unable to play in Week 3, the Commanders would likely feature veteran Chris Moore in his spot, who is listed behind him on the depth chart.

Bates didn’t receive a target during Thursday’s contest before being ruled out. The 27-year-old’s snaps will be taken by Ben Sinnott for the remainder of the contest.

A 2021 fourth-round pick, 27-year-old Bates just concluded his rookie contract with 61 catches in four years. That included just eight under new QB Jayden Daniels and OC Kliff Kingsbury last season. Pass-catching, of course, is not what Bates is paid to do. He’s a blocker, and will remain so after Zach Ertz re-upped for 2025 on Saturday evening.

Conklin should have little issue finding a suitor in free agency. The reliable 29-year-old has caught at least 51 passes while producing at least 499 receiving yards in four straight seasons. Hughes notes that the Jets are expressing interest in free-agent tight ends. Juwan Johnson, per Hughes, is the “top target” for the Jets. While John Bates might be a more reasonable fill-in acquisition.

Thomas missed some practice time this week with a rib injury and an illness. Even if he’s active in Week 12 against the Falcons, he’s not a fantasy option outside the deepest leagues. John Bates would operate as the team’s No. 1 tight end if Thomas is sidelined. Atlanta is allowing the third most tight end receptions this season.

Bates ran a mere eight routes to 22 routes for Logan Thomas, who did not see a target against Minnesota. Neither Washington tight end has any fantasy appeal going forward unless the other one misses time.

Bates only saw one practice this week, but coach Ron Rivera seemed to suggest he was in a good spot to suit up against the Packers. With Logan Thomas (calf) out, Bates should serve as the TE1 for the Commanders. That makes him an option in deeper leagues.