Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Hayden Rucci

Friday, November 15, 4:52 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.

Saturday, August 24, 12:07 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Hayden Rucci caught 5-of-6 targets for 44 yards and one touchdown in the team's 24-14 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rucci did most of his damage on Skylar Thompson's first drive in the second quarter -- catching three passes, including a 20-yard strike for a touchdown. He later converted a critical fourth down on Miami's final scoring drive in the third quarter. It wasn't a great night for the Dolphins' offense, but there were a few good individual performances, including Rucci, who tied for the team lead in targets with rookie running back Jaylen Wright. The Bucs seemingly had no answer for the undrafted free agent over the middle. It was a solid performance from the Wisconsin alum, but it's unclear where he stands with Jonnu Smith, Durham Smythe, Julian Hill, and Jody Fortson Jr. ahead of him on the Fins' unofficial depth chart. We'll learn more soon as Miami gears up for their home opener two weeks from Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.