Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Gunnar Helm

Tuesday, July 29, 9:36 PM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (undisclosed) returned to practice on Tuesday, according to Evan Lazar of Patriots.com. Hooper had started camp on the active/physically unable to perform list, but he appears to be back in action. The 30-year-old recorded 45 catches for 476 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games with New England in 2024. He's behind Hunter Henry on the Patriots' tight end depth chart, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team use plenty of two tight-end sets now that Josh McDaniels is back in town as the play-caller. Even still, Hooper would need an injury to Henry to crack the radar of fantasy managers.

Sunday, August 31, 1:09 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm logged five receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown on and was PFF's highest-graded player at the position this preseason. The Titans invested a fourth-round pick in the Texas product, and it could prove to be a steal should Helm continue to impress. While Chig Okonkwo is expected to start in 2025, he is entering the final year of his rookie contract, potentially opening the door for Helm to take over next season. Still, Helm's strong preseason suggests he is likely to have a role as a rookie as he works to build rapport with quarterback Cameron Ward early on. He shouldn't be prioritized in most redraft leagues, but Helm belongs on the radar for all fantasy managers heading into the regular season.