Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Luke Schoonmaker

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.

Tuesday, September 2, 12:41 AM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (concussion) was not listed on the team's injury report Monday, which indicates that he has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoonmaker was sidelined for nearly two weeks while recovering, and now, he's back just in time for the season opener. The 26-year-old was productive while backing up Jake Ferguson last season, as he caught 27 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown through 17 games (six starts). Schoonmaker should be left on waivers for now, but he would instantly become a high-end TE2 if Ferguson were to miss any games.