While there seemed to be optimism earlier in the week for tight end Zach Ertz availability, the Philadelphia Eagles now expect the 27-year-old to miss Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams. ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported Ertz's doubtful status on Saturday night, though the Eagles still want to try and test him out before the game.
In the likelihood Ertz misses Sunday's game, the Eagles will likely split targets and snaps between Trey Burton and Brent Celek. When Ertz missed Week 9 against the Denver Broncos, Celek emerged as the go-to threat in Ertz's absence with three catches for 39 receiving yards. Burton, who many expected to post big numbers in a great matchup and with an expanded role, finished with two receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown.
Both saw four targets each in that matchup, but things will be more difficult in Week 14. Through 12 games, the Rams' defense allowed the sixth-fewest receiving yards to tight ends and sixth-fewest receptions.
Burton is going to be a DFS favorite this weekend, but might be too popular of a play for us to target given his matchup isn't especially welcoming for fantasy success. Look elsewhere on the waiver wire, such as Houston Texans tight end Stephen Anderson as a replacement for Ertz if he is ruled out before the game.