Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Ben Sinnott

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.

Saturday, November 15, 10:34 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott (ankle) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Week 11 contest against the Miami Dolphins. The 23-year-old popped up on the injury report as a limited participant on Thursday, and he was a non-participant on Friday. Sinnott, a second-year tight end, has caught all three of his targets for 33 yards and a touchdown this season. He has been firmly entrenched in a depth role behind Zach Ertz. The Kansas State product's absence will result in John Bates backing up Ertz this Sunday.