The 2026 fantasy football season is already generating buzz as analysts look ahead to which players might rebound from injury‑riddled 2025 campaigns. Among the tight ends, three names stand out for their upside if health permits.
Injury‑hit TE2 eyes a comeback
Tucker Kraft entered the 2025 campaign as the TE2 in PPR formats, averaging 16.2 fantasy points per game and peaking at 33.3 points in Week 8. His season ended abruptly when he tore his ACL in Week 9, but the injury is expected to heal without long‑term setbacks. Heading into 2026, Kraft will battle for targets with Matthew Golden, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed, a competition that could shape his share of red‑zone opportunities.
Bowers’ path back to TE1
Brock Bowers, who finished the 2025 season as the TE8 after missing several games, posted a 23.6% target share, 64 receptions for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 appearances. With a projected increase in snaps under a healthier Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza, Bowers is being penciled in as a potential TE1 once again.
LaPorta’s health as a make‑or‑break factor
Sam LaPorta enjoyed a strong start to the year, ranking as the TE8 from Weeks 1‑10 and posting an 11.9 point average with an 18.6% target share. However, back issues limited his later performance, and a fully healthy LaPorta is projected to finish the 2026 season as a fantasy TE1, making his health the central storyline for his rebound.
Overall, the bounce‑back potential of Kraft, Bowers and LaPorta hinges on staying on the field and capitalizing on improved target distributions. If each can stay healthy, the trio could reshape the tight end landscape and provide valuable upside for fantasy owners seeking a late‑round steal.