Trey McBride is Must-Add in Fantasy Leagues

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is a capable TE1 to replace Zach Ertz.

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals placed Zach Ertz on injured reserve, ensuring he misses at least the next four weeks. 

With absence comes opportunity, and Trey McBride appears ready for solidified first team snaps with Arizona's offense. 

That's nothing new for the second-year tight end, as he's emerged in front of Ertz to temporarily earn TE1 duties for the Cardinals. McBride out-snapped Ertz over the last two weeks and has earned a larger role in the passing game. 

With James Conner out, the Cardinals have leaned more on their passing attack, and that could bode well for potential fantasy football owners. 

Various networks have McBride as a must-add waiver wire target this week:

Pro Football Network

"From Weeks 14 through 18 last season, while Ertz was sidelined, McBride was the TE11 in fantasy football. In Week 17, he was the TE2 in half-PPR scoring formats on the back of 10 targets that he turned into seven receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown," wrote Kyle Yates.

"The talent level is there, but McBride’s simply been stuck in a bad offense playing behind one of the most consistent receiving tight ends in NFL history. However, the door is now wide open for McBride to take over the TE1 role in this Cardinals offense and not give it back.

"McBride needs to be a priority pickup this week off of the waiver wire, especially with so many TE-needy fantasy rosters out there. Dalton Kincaid should be the top option for fantasy managers at the position, but McBride’s easily the next best option out there.

"Add in the fact that Kyler Murray seems poised to return to the field here in 2023, and McBride could work his way into the league-winner conversation if this offense elevates with Murray’s return. He’s worth a 10% FAAB bid in Week 8."

Rotoballer

"As the season continues to slip away from them, we can expect the organization to attempt to develop their talented young players such as McBride, a 2022 second-round pick out of Colorado State. There have been murmurs that Ertz is on the trading block, and if he's moved before the trade deadline, McBride's fantasy value would increase exponentially," they said.

"He would also see an uptick if Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray returns to action this year.

"McBride has looked athletic and explosive after the catch when given opportunities this season. His impact will likely remain minimal as long as Ertz is in the picture, though the youngster's stock is certainly on the rise. He's a bench stash with long-term upside."

The Athletic

"The tight end pickup of the week is Trey McBride of the Cardinals. He finished ninth at the position and that’s fine even given the byes. He has draft capital. Kyler Murray is coming back. Zach Ertz did not chart. All signs are pointing up," wrote Michael Salfino.

McBride is available in 1.2% of ESPN fantasy football leagues.