The 2026 NFL season hasn't begun yet, but fantasy football managers have already been dealt a blow ahead of Week 1.
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to be without their starting tight end, Brock Bowers, for "a game or two" as he recovers from a meniscus trim.
Bowers' injury will concern fantasy managers. The 23-year-old tight end was plagued by knee problems throughout the 2025 season, as he was limited to 12 games (eight starts) because of a PCL injury and bone bruise in his left knee.
It wasn't immediately clear whether Bowers' meniscus surgery was in his left or right knee.
Either way, Bowers was one of the highest-drafted tight ends across fantasy football formats in 2026. He and Trey
McBride were viewed to be in a tier of their own, with many fantasy managers prognosticating that Bowers would emerge as the clear-cut top target in a Raiders offense that lacks high-end talent at receiver.
Instead, they will have to wait and see the 23-year-old return to the field for his third NFL season. And in the meantime, they will have to evaluate which streamers to trust at the always-thin tight end position.
Here's a look at the best fantasy football tight end streamers and sleepers managers can turn to as they look to replace Bowers in their lineups.
Top fantasy football TE streamers and injury replacements for Brock Bowers
All roster percentages via Yahoo Fantasy.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (47% rostered)
Schultz earned a career-high 106 targets last season and turned them into 82 catches, 777 yards and three touchdowns. He has garnered at least 85 targets in each of the last six seasons, and he should continue to get plenty of opportunities to prove himself in a Houston offense still looking for a true No. 2 receiver.
The lone problem with Schultz? He has a tough Week 1 matchup against a Buffalo Bills defense that allowed the fewest fantasy points per game (FPPG) to tight ends last season. Perhaps Sean McDermott's departure will open the door for Schultz to put up strong numbers and keep managers afloat until Bowers is back.
Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (31% rostered)
Strange has improved his numbers season to season over his first three years in the NFL. Last year, he averaged 3.8 catches and 45 receiving yards per game while showing good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence.
The only question with Strange is about his touchdown ceiling, as he has logged just six across his first three seasons. Even so, as long as second-round rookie Nate Boerkircher doesn't eat into his targets too much, Strange has as good a floor as any streaming option.
Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams (26% rostered)
The Rams spent a second-round pick on Ferguson in 2025, but he only made 11 catches as part of a crowded tight end room. Even so, three of those grabs went for touchdowns while he averaged 21 yards per reception, inspiring hope he could be a breakout candidate with more opportunities in 2026.
Sean McVay has spoken glowingly of Ferguson this offseason, so taking a flier on his upside is a worthwhile gambit for fantasy managers.
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3% rostered)
The Buccaneers are playing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. The Bengals were woeful against tight ends last year, allowing by far the most FPPG to the position on a whopping 116 catches, 1,444 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Otton's 9.7 career yards per reception average and 11 total touchdowns across 63 games over four seasons may not be overly enticing, but the 27-year-old's matchup could allow him to emerge as a sneaky-good start for Week 1.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas Raiders (3% rostered)
Mayer is expected to step into the target void left by Bowers. He succeeded in that role last year, averaging 4.5 catches and 49 receiving yards in the four games he played while Bowers was out.
The Raiders have a favorable Week 1 matchup with the Dolphins, so Mayer could emerge as a solid, plug-and-play option against a weak-looking defense to open the season.
Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 1
Looking for more fantasy football advice? USA TODAY Sports has you covered:
→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 1.
→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 1.
→ Defense (and special teams) can win you championships – including your fantasy league's. Here are some of the best D/ST units to start and sit in Week 1.
→ The wide receiver position is one of the deepest each season. Set yourself up for success in Week 1 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football tight ends to stream in Week 1 after Brock Bowers injury
