Dallas Goedert (reserve/COVID-19 list) isn't on the final injury report, but for all intents and purposes, we'll call him "questionable" (maybe "doubtful") heading into the Eagles' Week 6 Thursday Night Football showdown against the Buccaneers. The news of him being placed on the COVID list was announced on Tuesday, and in order to be cleared, he'll have to turn in two negative COVID tests prior to the game. That said, he hasn't been ruled out yet (and won't technically be on the final inactive list), so fantasy football owners will be frantically checking for updates prior to making their first start 'em, sit 'em decision of the week.
We'll continue to update this article with news on Goedert up until the official active/inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 p.m. ET. For all the latest fantasy updates, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MORE TNF: DK Showdown lineup | FD single-game lineup | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is Dallas Goedert playing on Thursday night?
UPDATE: With news of Philadelphia elevating TE Noah Tagiai as a "COVID replacement" for Thursday night's game, that makes it official that Goedert is OUT.
Goedert was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday and given the short turnaround, it seems unlikely that he can turn in two negative tests 24 hours apart. However, it's not impossible, as Eagles coach Nick Sirianni implied on Wednesday when he answered a question about how Philadelphia would proceed "if" Goedert is out. However, given that he extolled the virtues of third-stringer Jack Stoll in his answer, that seems to suggest Goedert will sit. If Goedert does play, he's a must-start against a generous Bucs' defense.
WEEK 6 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
If he's out, pencil in Zach Ertz as a top-10 play this week in any format. After all, Ertz has already been edging out Goedert in targets, and with full control of the primary tight end spot, he should get a lot of looks. Tampa Bay has given up the sixth-most points to fantasy tight ends, including allowing a touchdown to Tyler Higbee, Jonnu Smith, and Hunter Henry. Ertz has received six red-zone targets already this season, so the numbers tell us this stacks up to be a good opportunity for him. If Goedert plays, he's already drawn eight red-zone targets, so the same sentiments go for him.
WEEK 6 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
It's worth noting both guys draw starting consideration even if Goedert is active. Both have been fantasy-relevant, and the matchup can't get much better. We moved Ertz to the No. 7 tight end in PPR and in standard leagues when the Goedert news came in, but we had both of them as top-15 plays before then. If Goedert is out and you don't trust Ertz or don't have the ability to roster him, our rankings and Week 6 waiver pickups can point you in the right direction for another streamer.
WEEK 6 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo
One good thing about the TE spot is you don't have to think twice about where you start them in your lineup. You usually want to avoid putting Thursday Night players in the flex spot, but that's not a factor here.