Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Noah Gray

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.

Wednesday, November 26, 12:19 PM

The Kansas City Chiefs have ruled out tight end Noah Gray (concussion) for Thursday's Thanksgiving Day game against the hosting Dallas Cowboys, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gray will not have enough time to clear the league's concussion protocol on a short week. His next chance to play will come in Week 14 against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Dec. 7. Travis Kelce will continue to operate as one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top options in the passing game, but with Gray out on Thursday, both Robert Tonyan and Jared Wiley will have a chance to see the field more. The 26-year-old Gray has not been on the fantasy football radar in most leagues in 2025, catching 16 of his 28 targets for 132 yards and no touchdowns in 11 games played.