John Bates called out Patrick Queen for allegedly trying to play dirty during their recent matchup, asserting that he was simply playing aggressively and finishing through the whistle. Bates expressed that such incidents are uncommon for him and suggested that Queen was the one acting inappropriately. Despite the confrontation, Bates remains committed to his style of play.

John Bates had a challenging performance in the loss to the Steelers, receiving the lowest grade among the Commanders' offensive players with a PFF grade of 32. His struggles were highlighted as a significant factor in the team's overall offensive output.

John Bates is highlighted as a strong kicking option for Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans. Coming off a game-winning field goal in Week 7, he has been nearly perfect this season, converting 10-of-10 field goals and 20-of-21 extra points. Despite the aggressive fourth-down play-calling from Lions head coach Dan Campbell potentially limiting his attempts, the projected team total of 28 points and their status as double-digit favorites suggest ample scoring opportunities for Bates. He remains a solid streaming option for fantasy managers looking to bolster their kicker position.

Cole Turner, who was the fourth tight end during camp, was waived after the Commanders failed to find a trade partner, creating an opportunity for John Bates and others. Bates will compete for a spot among the tight ends, which now includes Zach Ertz, Ben Sinnott, and undrafted rookie Colson Yankoff, following the recent roster changes.

John Bates is highlighted for his impressive blocking ability, showcasing a physical style of play that has been beneficial during preseason action. As a reliable target in the passing game, he is expected to contribute significantly to the team's offensive strategies. His role is made even more versatile with the presence of Zach Ertz, allowing Bates to rotate in effectively this season.