Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Cole Kmet

Saturday, September 20, 2:49 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.

Sunday, November 2, 3:26 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had initially been listed as questionable and entered concussion protocol before being downgraded to out. He finishes Sunday's game with just one catch for 10 yards. Kmet missed last week with a back injury, so it's safe to say the injury bug hasn't been doing him any favors lately. Colston Loveland will step up as the Bears' primary tight end in his absence. Kmet could be at risk of missing next Sunday's Week 10 clash with the New York Giants if he doesn't clear concussion protocol within seven days.