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Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on John Bates
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about John Bates.
66
Insights
11
Positive
19
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about John Bates
NegativeInjuryOct 30, 2026
Tight end John Bates is questionable with a shoulder injury after being limited in Friday's practice.NegativeInjuryOct 30, 2026
Bates is listed QUESTIONABLE for Week 8 with a shoulder injury and was limited on Friday after not practicing the previous two days. The source notes he might have a chance to suit up. Bates is the Commanders' No. 2 tight end.NegativeInjuryOct 30, 2026
Tight end listed as questionable for Sunday night's game against the Eagles with a shoulder injury. Had one limited practice with the new shoulder injury.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
No. 2 tight end John Bates, primarily a blocker, missed practice for the second consecutive day with a shoulder injury; he is tracking to miss Week 8.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
Tight end missed a second day of practice with a shoulder injury; his unavailability on Sunday would be a sneaky significant impact given his role as a blocker in both pass and run games for the Commanders.NegativeInjuryOct 28, 2026
Working off on a side field during practice; indicates some limitation or recovery status but specific injury details not disclosed.NegativeRoleOct 28, 2026
Tight end who will be part of multiple-tight end sets with Okonkwo and Sinnott; his current contract runs through 2027.NegativeRoleOct 27, 2026
John Bates was targeted on a two-point shovel pass attempt in the Commanders' opener, but the play was blown up by Moro Ojomo. This unsuccessful short-yardage attempt suggests Bates may not be a reliable option in goal-line situations.NegativeRoleOct 21, 2026
Bates serves as a stout blocker and in-line player, which allows Okonkwo to work from almost anywhere in the passing game. His blocking presence enables the Commanders to use Okonkwo more flexibly as a receiver.NegativeUsageOct 21, 2026
John Bates' blocking has fallen off this season despite carrying a 10.8 cap hit next season; the source notes that while a fan of Bates, his diminished blocking efficiency is a concern for the Commanders, particularly with the return of blocking specialist Moore.NegativeRoleOct 9, 2026
The re-signed TE is a quality blocking tight end, indicating a role-specific contribution rather than a pass-catching threat.NegativeRoleOct 9, 2026
Bates recorded the team's second-highest PFF run-blocking grade at 64.5 but did not record any receiving statistics in Week 4.NegativeUsageOct 9, 2026
Bates recorded the team's second highest PFF run blocking grade with a respectable 64.5, but did not touch the ball in the passing game.PositiveRoleOct 1, 2026
Tight end John Bates contributed key blocks on a crucial late-game zone read play in the 4th quarter where Marcus Mariota converted a critical 3rd down by keeping the ball and diving between two defenders that Bates had blocked, effectively icing the victory.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Bates displayed high-IQ blocking in the Commanders' win over Seattle, contributing to the offensive execution in a game where Washington never trailed.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
John Bates delivered a key block on the game-winning drive, knocking two defenders off the spot to clear a path for Marcus Mariota's read-option keeper that secured the victory against Seattle.NegativeRoleSep 26, 2026
Bates will be part of a tight end rotation with Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff after Chig Okonkwo was ruled out with a hamstring injury. The Commanders use three-receiver sets 67.9% of the time through two games, which may limit tight end opportunities.NegativeRoleSep 25, 2026
Bates is the Y tight end in the Commanders' 12 personnel sets; he aligns outside Ben Sinnott in the West Left formation and inside Sinnott in the new East Left formation introduced in week 2; the Commanders are leaning more on 12 personnel sets this year with both tight ends featured.PositiveRoleSep 19, 2026
With Chig Okonkwo out with a groin injury, Bates will be the top tight end on Sunday. The source notes he is always the best blocking tight end on the field.NegativeDepth ChartSep 18, 2026
Listed as one of the Commanders' tight ends available with Chig Okonkwo ruled out for Week 2; also Ben Sinnott and Colton Yankoff are on the roster.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Should see increased playing time at tight end in Week 2 with Chig Okonkwo ruled out with a groin injury; Bates will get more opportunities depending on what's needed from a tight end on specific plays.NegativeRoleSep 18, 2026
Bates caught 2/3 targets for 13 yards and got the lions' share of snaps at fullback, indicating his primary role is as a run-blocking fullback rather than a receiving threat.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Bates was the primary option on the Commanders' failed 2-point conversion attempt in Week 1, receiving a shovel pass from Daniels on a play that could have been a conversion if the blocking had held up.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
John Bates was involved in a critical two-point conversion play call from offensive coordinator David Blough in the final moments of the game. The play had Jayden Daniels attempting a shovel pass to Bates from the Eagles' 2-yard line, with both Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn liking the call, though the outcome is not specified in the source.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Targeted on the failed 2-point conversion shovel pass in the final minute against the Eagles; the play was blown up by Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo, who spun around center Nick Allegretti and shut down the inside play, resulting in the Commanders' 24-22 loss.NegativeUsageSep 13, 2026
Tight end John Bates was targeted on the Commanders' failed two-point conversion attempt late in the game, receiving a shovel pass that was easily diagnosed and disposed of by the Eagles defense.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Bates is a good run blocker in Washington's tight end room, supporting the idea that the Commanders could become heavier and more multiple, allowing them to play 12 and 13 personnel without necessarily declaring whether they intend to run or pass.PositiveRoleSep 3, 2026
Bates is a blocking tight end within the Commanders' quality group of skill players who can perform almost any function well; the source notes if they use them well and top talents perform to expectation with Daniels getting protection, Washington will be able to move the ball well.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Tight end Bates, known as one of the better blockers in the league, missed most of training camp with an injury and failed to set up his run block on the second offensive play of the game, leading directly to a sack on Jayden Daniels' second dropback.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Bates, a starting tight end, broke down in pass protection on Jayden Daniels' second-down play in the preseason game against Detroit, losing his one-on-one matchup and allowing a sack. The source notes both starting tight ends failed in protection on this play.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Starter welcomed back on Tuesday after extended absence.PositiveInjuryAug 19, 2026
Tight end John Bates is in a ramp-up period following recovery from an unspecified injury, with the return-to-play protocol enacted on Tuesday to ensure proper conditioning before full participation.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
Bates returned to practice after injury, going through individual drills and 11-on-11 work; he caught a pass from Jayden Daniels during team work, marking his first reception since the early portions of camp. While not fully back yet, his return to the offense is a positive sign.PositiveInjuryAug 16, 2026
Tight end John Bates, dealing with a hamstring strain, will start practicing with the Commanders on Tuesday, signaling his return to availability.PositiveInjuryAug 16, 2026
Tight end has made progress and will work back into practice on Tuesday.NegativeInjuryAug 14, 2026
John Bates suffered a hamstring injury that has allowed backup tight ends like Colson Yankoff to step up and make plays over the last two weeks of training camp.NegativeInjuryAug 14, 2026
John Bates suffered a hamstring injury that has allowed backup tight ends like Colson Yankoff to step up and make plays over the last two weeks.NegativeInjuryAug 13, 2026
Bates is still out of practice, which has opened up the competition for the fourth tight end spot between Lawrence Cager and Colson Yankoff.NegativeInjuryAug 12, 2026
Tight end John Bates continues to recover from an injury, limiting his availability during training camp and joint practice sessions.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Tight end is out, creating an opportunity for Colson Yankoff to seize playing time and showcase his abilities.NegativeInjuryAug 9, 2026
Bates has been out since July 30; Dan Quinn indicated he and Nick Allegretti aren't considered long-term absences but aren't ready now, with another assessment coming the following week.NegativeInjuryAug 8, 2026
Commanders tight end dealing with a hamstring issue; expected to be out another week or so, with assessment continuing through Wednesday/Thursday; not considered a long-term injury.NegativeInjuryAug 8, 2026
Tight end John Bates (hamstring) will miss another week of practice and is unlikely to be ready for the Dolphins joint practice next Wednesday. Dan Quinn said they don't consider it long-term but will re-evaluate Wednesday or Thursday.NegativeInjuryAug 6, 2026
Tight end John Bates is dealing with a hamstring injury and would be out for at least another week; was not on the active roster at practice on Wednesday.PositiveUsageAug 4, 2026
The Commanders intend to use 12- and 13-personnel more frequently this year, which means an increase in snaps for Bates above his standard 45-50 percent clip; he actually played 51 percent last season despite missing two games. Washington can still deploy heavier personnel packages without him, but the running game loses its best in-line blocker, making him indispensable to the team's offensive scheme.NegativeInjuryAug 2, 2026
Out a couple of weeks due to hamstring injury during early training camp.NegativeInjuryAug 2, 2026
Blocking specialist John Bates is on the shelf with an injury, which will lead to extended looks for backup tight ends Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager during training camp and the season.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Tight end who is a skilled blocker but merely a competent receiver; serves as a mirror image to Chig Okonkwo's skill set, providing blocking support in the tight end room.NegativeUsageJul 31, 2026
John Bates didn't get much action in training camp day 2, possibly a veteran day, so in his place there was plenty of work for Chig Okonkwo and Ben Sinnott.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Bates is part of the Commanders tight end room that will work under newly promoted tight ends coach Wes Welker, who was elevated from assistant coach after the previous tight ends coach Ben Steele was fired following a DWI arrest. Welker previously worked with the tight ends during Steele's suspension and now holds official responsibility for the position.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Mentioned by Peters as a comparison point when discussing Chig Okonkwo's size; Peters noted Okonkwo is not as large as Bates but compensates with competitive blocking and pass-game excellence, suggesting Bates remains on the roster but Okonkwo's skill set is valued differently.NegativeRoleJul 29, 2026
Mentioned in comparison to Chig Okonkwo; Peters noted that while Okonkwo is not as large as Bates, Okonkwo's versatility in the pass game and competitive blocking make him valuable to the Commanders' offensive scheme.NegativeRoleJul 28, 2026
Bates is part of the Commanders' tight end room alongside free-agent signing Chigoziem Okonkwo and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott. The tight end coaching situation changed when Ben Steele was dismissed, with Wes Welker and David Raih as potential replacements.NegativeRoleJul 28, 2026
Bates is part of the Commanders' tight end room alongside free-agent signing Chigoziem Okonkwo and 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott. The tight end coaching situation was disrupted by the firing of Ben Steele, but Bates remains on the roster.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Bates is featured in one-on-one coverage matchups during Commanders training camp against linebackers Frankie Luvu and safeties Jeremy Reaves; the source will evaluate his ability to beat linebackers and his play-strength against smaller defenders.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Bates is set to face Frankie Luvu in one-on-one linebacker coverage drills during Commanders training camp; the source will evaluate whether Bates, as an athletic tight end, can beat the linebacker consistently in vertical coverage situations.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Bates is featured in Commanders training camp one-on-ones against Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Reaves; the source will assess whether Bates can beat linebackers vertically and whether he can be physical when the ball arrives against safeties.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Bates is slated for one-on-one drills against Frankie Luvu, Quan Martin, and Jeremy Reaves during Commanders training camp; the source will assess Bates' play-strength and ability to use his body against smaller defenders.NegativeRoleNo date
With Chig Okonkwo's arrival, John Bates has the chance to settle into a clearer role within the tight end depth chart. The source previously noted his blocking was helpful but he was unable to fill the pass-catching vacuum left by Zach Ertz's injury.NegativeRoleNo date
With Okonkwo's arrival, Bates has the opportunity to settle into a clearer role. The source acknowledges 'as helpful as John Bates' blocking was' in the wake of Ertz's injury, but notes that Okonkwo's addition allows Bates to move away from being the primary receiving option and focus on his blocking strengths.NegativeRoleNo date
With Chig Okonkwo's addition to the tight end room, Bates has the chance to settle into a clearer role. The source notes that while Bates' blocking was helpful after Zach Ertz went down in Week 14, Okonkwo's arrival allows Bates to move away from being the primary receiving option and focus on his strengths.NegativeRoleNo date
With Okonkwo's arrival, Bates has the opportunity to settle into a clearer role. The source acknowledges 'as helpful as John Bates' blocking was' in the vacuum left by Ertz's injury, but suggests Okonkwo's addition will allow Bates to define his niche more distinctly within the tight end depth chart.NegativeRoleNo date
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.NegativeRoleNo date
The blocking specialist who can also catch passes when needed in the Commanders' tight end room, which is expected to be utilized more under new offensive coordinator David Blough.NegativeRoleNo date
Positioned as the blocking specialist tight end who can also catch passes when needed in the Commanders' revamped tight end room under new offensive coordinator David Blough's scheme that is expected to utilize the position more.NegativeRoleNo date
The blocking specialist who can also catch passes when needed; part of the Commanders' tight end rotation under new offensive coordinator David Blough, who is expected to utilize the tight end position more.