Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Adam Shaheen

Wednesday, November 19, 2:59 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) carved out standalone fantasy value in his role behind Hunter Henry last season, but he has failed to establish himself as a worthwhile fantasy addition during the 2025 campaign. He went from the overall TE24 in PPR leagues last year to TE45 through Week 11 this season. The 31-year-old hasn't registered more than three targets in a single game this season, which is a major step backward after he averaged 3.5 targets per game in 2024. While Henry has cemented himself as the Patriots' top tight end and is one reason for Hooper's underwhelming year, the bigger factor is likely the wide receivers' increased productivity. Players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have elevated this position room higher than in years past, leaving fewer opportunities for a backup tight end like Hooper. An injury has complicated his status even more, as Hooper missed Week 11 in concussion protocol and remains up in the air for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he plays, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in all leagues. His only path to fantasy relevance would be a Hunter Henry injury.

Monday, October 30, 11:24 PM

While dealing with injuries at the position, the Buffalo Bills worked out former Chicago Bears tight end Adam Shaheen on Monday. Dawson Knox (wrist) is currently on Injured Reserve and will miss at least three more games. Shaheen was with the Miami Dolphins last year, but he didn't play at all due to a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. The 29-year-old former second-round pick by the Chicago Bears hasn't played in an NFL since 2021, when he had 12 receptions on 16 targets for 110 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games (seven starts). Shaheen will remain well off the fantasy radar, even if he's signed by Buffalo. Rookie Dalton Kincaid had a big game in last Thursday night's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will have TE1 upside moving forward with Knox on the shelf.