Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Erick All Jr.

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.

Friday, July 25, 1:30 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All Jr. (knee) is set to miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing a second surgery on his ACL this offseason, according to James Rapien of BengalsTalk.com. All was seen at training camp practice on Thursday walking around with a brace on his right knee. The 24-year-old played in just seven games in his final season in college due to a torn ACL, and he tore the ACL in the same knee last year as well. The Iowa product appeared in nine games (six starts) with the Bengals in his rookie season before injuring his knee and caught 20 of 22 targets for 158 yards and no touchdowns. It's been a tough go for All the last two years, but he's hoping to come back strong in 2026. With All out for all of this year, it will mean more work for both Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.