The Dallas Cowboys shuffled a lot of offensive starters around to compensate for the loss of left tackle Tyron Smith and running back Ezekiel Elliott in Week 12. Tight end Jason Witten was given more blocking responsibilities as a result. The Cowboys’ big man caught one pass for seven yards in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was his fourth one-catch game of the season and second in the last three weeks. Witten had a nosedive in production from Week 10 when he caught seven passes for 59 yards.
Fantasy football Week 12: Start or sit Jason Witten?
Witten had more blocking assignments with key starters missing on the Cowboys’ offensive line. We look ahead to the fantasy impact.
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The Cowboys hope to have Smith back on the offensive line Thursday. That should free up Witten to assume his usual role as a pass catcher in the middle of the field. He will have to work hard to produce against the Los Angeles Chargers, however. The Chargers’ defense has owned tight ends this season, allowing just one touchdown to the position. It has also allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Fantasy impact: Witten has not been fantasy relevant at all this season. Aside from Week 2, he does not have a game with more than 70 receiving yards this season. The Cowboys’ passing game has not been good this year, and it has really taken a dive of late. Witten will return to pass-catching duties Thursday with Smith back on the offensive line, but he has a tough matchup against the Chargers. Witten has not produced enough this season to warrant a start.
