Cade Otton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now saying that tight end Cade Otton (knee) is doubtful to play on Sunday night in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. Head coach Todd Bowles said that Otton will likely be a game-time decision this week, but it doesn't sound like they're expecting to play him against Dallas. Otton missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to a limited showing on Friday, but he was sporting a large brace on his injured left knee. Fantasy managers should have already moved Otton to the bench this week. After a three-game stretch from Weeks 7-9 in which he had 25 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns that coincided with receiver Mike Evans being out with an injury, Otton has come back down to Earth in the last five games, clearing 35 receiving yards just once and not scoring at all. Fantasy managers should look to avoid a committee at TE in Tampa involving Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and Devin Culp.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is currently considered a game-time decision for Sunday's Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Otton missed the first two days of practice due to a knee issue that he appears to have suffered last week. He has been seen with a brace on his left knee, but the team hasn't commented on the severity of the issue. Otton has been quiet on the field lately with only one game with more than 35 receiving yards in his last five contests. His absence would likely result in Payne Durham getting the start at tight end. He wouldn't be a recommended streaming option even if Otton is forced to miss this game.UPDATE: Otton is officially considered questionable for Week 16.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (rest) and tight end Cade Otton (knee) were seen practicing on Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Evans had been absent on Wednesday, but he returned to practice on Thursday and should be all set to play in Week 16 against the Dallas Cowboys. The 31-year-old caught nine passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns last week, and he needs 251 yards over his next three games to achieve his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard season. Otton, meanwhile, had not practiced yet this week, so the fact that he was able to get on the field in some capacity Friday is a good sign. Fantasy managers will still want to check the Buccaneers' final injury report for confirmation on his status, but his presence Friday is a step in the right direction. Otton would rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end if active against Dallas.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) is trending in the wrong direction in Week 16 after missing his second straight practice of the week on Thursday. Otton has been wearing a brace on his knee this week after apparently injuring his knee in the Week 15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. If the 25-year-old can't return to practice on Friday, he'll be ruled out for Sunday night's contest against the Dallas Cowboys. In the event that happens, the Bucs are expected to roll with a committee approach at TE with Payne Durham, Ko Kieft and rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp. Kieft is probably the best bet for sleeper production at the position against Dallas' defense, but fantasy managers should probably avoid the situation entirely. Otton was putting up high-end TE1 numbers when receiver Mike Evans missed a few games due to injury, but his production has fallen since Evans' return.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (knee) was seen wearing a knee brace and was not seen working on Thursday at the portion of practice open to the media. Otton is set to open Week 16 preparation with two DNPs, putting him firmly in danger of missing the game this Sunday night versus the Dallas Cowboys. Otton has one more day to get back on the practice field, but at this point, a questionable tag might be the best-case scenario. And if that's the case, he'll be one to avoid in fantasy lineups with the Bucs not playing until Sunday evening. The 25-year-old was quarterback Baker Mayfield's go-to target when receiver Mike Evans missed some time with a hamstring, but since Evans returned, Otton has seen his ceiling and floor drop drastically. He caught two of three targets in last week's win over the Chargers for 24 yards. Payne Durham and Ko Kieft could split TE duties if Otton is out this week.