The most scarce position in fantasy football looks like it will be even scarcer in Week 5.
After being a limited participant in Wednesday's practice ahead of Week 5, Brock Bowers was a DNP both Thursday and Friday. While he has not been ruled out quite yet, not practicing at all by the end of the week is not a good sign.
However, if you own Bowers, you need to wait until it is confirmed before you make any sort of changes to your starting lineup. Even a limited Bowers is better than any of the Week 5 Waiver Wire options about to be listed.
Note: Player rostership percentages are based on Yahoo Fantasy Sports data as of Friday.
Week 5 Fantasy Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | PK | Half-PPR Cheat Sheet
Brock Bowers' fantasy TE replacements
Tommy Tremble (2% rostered in Yahoo leagues), Panthers vs. Dolphins
In his first game as the TE1 for the Carolina Panthers, Tommy Tremble looked as good as you could've hoped.
Tremble was targeted 8 times by Bryce Young in their Week 4 loss to the Patriots. He was able to haul in 5 of those targets for 42 yards and a touchdown, finishing as the TE6 overall on the week.
Tremble has stepped into this role due to the ankle problem Ja'Tavion Sanders is dealing with. Sanders missed Week 4 and will not play again in Week 5 due to this injury.
Players that have already been ruled “OUT” for Sunday’s game ‼️📄
— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) October 3, 2025
🔘Chuba Hubbard (Calf)
🔘Ja’Tavion Sanders (Ankle)
🔘Tershawn Wharton (Toe)
🔘Chau Smith-Wade (Chest)
Let’s see if Tommy Tremble can keep up his play as he continues to fill that TE1 role for Sanders… pic.twitter.com/SRizS6BL1G
Tremble will be the TE1 again, and it's a great matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins allowed the 3rd most fantasy points per game to the TE position.
FANTASY LINEUP TIPS: Week 5 Start-Sit | Week 5 Sleepers | Week 5 Busts
Cade Otton (5%), Buccaneers at Seahawks
Going from Brock Bowers to a TE that has put up 2 donuts in 4 weeks is understandably nauseating. However, if there were to be a big Cade Otton game this season, it should come this week.
In Week 5, the Bucs will travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Overall, the Seattle defense is not horrible, but in this case, they're the perfect team to target for a TE stream.
No team in the NFL allows more fantasy points per game to the TE position than the Seattle Seahawks. TEs average 18.6 fantasy points per game when facing them.
It's not like Otton is not out there; in fact, he played 96% of the snaps in Week 4 and was targeted 4 times. It's a desperate start, but that is what we are dealing with at the position.
Darren Waller (58%), Dolphins at Panthers
While he is much more rostered than the other options, to be fair, his percentage rose 53% after his Week 4 performance. Darren Waller was great for fantasy football in his Dolphins debut and NFL return.
Now, there is no way you should expect 2 touchdowns to be a regular occurrence for Waller. There was nothing too impressive from Waller's performance outside of the red zone.
However, with Tyreek Hill out for the season, there is going to be a large portion of targets up for grabs. When Miami does get ot the red zone, I do think Waller will be a regular target down there.
🗣️ Darren Waller on his snap count going into Week 5: “As far as the exact number, I don’t know, but I do think there will be a jump, for sure.” #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/yvOwQtpZZA
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 1, 2025
If he is still out there in your league, it's an enticing matchup in Week 5 for Waller. They will face the Carolina Panthers, who have allowed the 6th most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs.
Dalton Schultz (20%), Texans at Ravens
It certainly is not a flashy play, but Dalton Schultz has been a consistent TE in fantasy for what it's worth.
Ahead of Week 5, Schulyz is averaging 7.2 fantasy points per game and is the TE19 overall. Again, nothing is going to win you your week, but he's not going to have 0.
Schultz has been targeted 21 times this season, which is 14th among TEs. He is just a consistent, average TE that will give you some points.
In Week 5, the Texans will take on the Baltimore Ravens, who allow 14.7 fantasy points per game to TEs.
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