Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Josh Whyle

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.

Thursday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm was listed as the team's second tight end on the first unofficial depth chart, behind only Chig Okonkwo and ahead of Josh Whyle, who was the team's second tight end last year. The Titans drafted Helm out of Texas with the No. 120 pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft after he logged 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns in Texas's quick passing game. Helm had a bad combine, potentially due to injury, but he has earned playing time with a strong training camp and could become a favorite target for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Helm and the Titans start preseason on Saturday in Tampa Bay, and it will be important to see exactly how the tight end work is divided going into Week 1 against the Broncos.