Slated for TE1 duties Week 2
Bates should take on an elevated role against the Cowboys on Sunday after Chig Okonkwo was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Bates has primarily been utilized as a run blocker during his NFL career, though he did come up with two catches (on three targets) for 13 yards during the Commanders' 24-22 loss to the Eagles in Week 1. Bates should see an uptick in offensive snaps and targets from Jayden Daniels due to Okonkwo's absence, with Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff also in the mix for elevated roles.
More Washington Commanders Fantasy Football News
Ben Sinnott
Bigger role on tap
Sinnott should operate in an elevated role in the Commanders' offense against the Cowboys on Sunday after Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) was ruled out.
Chig Okonkwo
Ruled out this week
Okonkwo (hamstring) won't play Sunday at Dallas, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports.
Chig Okonkwo
Goes down as non-participant Thursday
Okonkwo (hamstring) is officially listed as a non-participant at Thursday's practice.
Chig Okonkwo
Remains sidelined Thursday
Okonkwo (hamstring) wasn't spotted at practice Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports.
Chig Okonkwo
Won't practice Wednesday
Okonkwo (hamstring) won't participate in practice Wednesday, Tashan Reed of The Washington Post reports.
Kaytron Allen
Limited action in NFL debut
Allen turned four carries into 16 yards during the Commanders' 24-22 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.
John Bates
Two catches in loss
Bates caught two of three targets for 13 yards in Sunday's 24-22 loss to the Eagles.
Dyami Brown
Held without catch Week 1
Brown failed to haul in either of his two targets during the Commanders' 24-22 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.
Antonio Williams
Catches TD in NFL debut
Williams hauled in all four of his targets for 64 yards and a touchdown during the Commanders' 24-22 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.
Stefon Diggs
Catches TD in first game with Commanders
Diggs brought in four of nine targets for 55 yards and a touchdown in a Week 1 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.