Yahoo Sports NFL on John Bates

ArticleDo Chig Okonkwo, Antonio Williams & Treylon Burks offer enough receiving help f...Captured August 1, 2026

From the article

As helpful as John Bates' blocking was...with Okonkwo's added flavor, the returning supplementary contributors at tight end have the chance to surge in settling into their own niches.

STACKED’s take

NeutralRole

Bates can settle into a defined role with Okonkwo handling primary TE targets.

With Chig Okonkwo's arrival as the primary receiving tight end, John Bates has the opportunity to settle into a clearer role. The source indicates his blocking contributions were helpful during the Ertz injury period, and Okonkwo's presence allows Bates to focus on his strengths rather than trying to fill the pass-catching vacuum.