Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Elijah Arroyo

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, December 13, 10:01 PM

Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo has been placed on injured reserve ahead of Seattle's Week 15 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Arroyo was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury that forced him to exit early in their Week 14 win in Atlanta. The 22-year-old rookie has played in 13 games this season, catching 15 passes for 179 yards and one touchdown. Arroyo was selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft after garnering a lot of hype during the predraft process. With Arroyo landing on injured reserve, expect Eric Saubert and Nick Kallerup to see more work in the Seahawks offense for the remainder of the regular season. The move will end Arroyo's regular-season rookie campaign, but he can return for the playoffs.