The Houston Texans prepare for their Week 11 divisional matchup against the Tennessee Titans with uncertainty at the tight end position. Dalton Schultz is dealing with a shoulder injury that. Will fantasy football managers have their reliable tight end available for Sunday’s game?
Dalton Schultz Injury Update
Schultz has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has prevented him from practicing so far this week. The veteran tight end did not participate in Wednesday or Thursday’s practice sessions, appearing on the injury report with the shoulder designation.​
With two DNPs to begin the week, Schultz is firmly up in the air to play this weekend against the division-rival Titans. The fact that he has not practiced yet this week is obviously not a good sign for his availability.​
However, Schultz is a veteran who does not require extensive practice time to play effectively. He can go DNP-DNP-LP and still suit up on game day.
Fantasy managers should not shut the door on Schultz playing in Week 11 just yet. Back in Week 9, when Schultz was managing knee and shoulder issues, he was held out of practice Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a full session Friday. Though not a lock to occur, a similar scenario unfolding this time around remains plausible.​
If Schultz doesn’t practice on Friday, he’s not going to play against Tennessee. Friday’s practice report becomes critical in determining his actual availability for Sunday’s divisional showdown.​
The Texans’ tight end depth is already compromised with backup Harrison Bryant dealing with neck and shoulder injuries of his own. Bryant also did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, creating uncertainty about Houston’s tight end availability. Cade Stover remains on injured reserve with a foot injury, leaving the Texans dangerously thin at the position if Schultz cannot play.​
Schultz’s Fantasy Outlook
It’s not the Bengals, but this is a highly concentrated offense that we can feel good about projecting.
The backfield is Woody Marks’s and the passing game, regardless of who is under center, works through Schultz and Nico Collins.
Simple.
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Schultz has cleared 10 PPR points in four of his past five games and has a 20+ yard reception in each of those four instances. He may not be an explosive athlete or attached to a potent offense, but with at least six looks in six of his past seven games, the opportunity floor resembles that of a Tier 2 tight end, and that means you’re starting him weekly.
Schultz has caught 10 of 11 targets against these Titans over his past three meetings, and if that efficiency sustains in this voluminous role, he’s a solid bet to finish inside the top 10 at the position.
— PFSN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
