Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Taysom Hill

Sunday, October 20, 6:48 PM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught four of his five targets for 32 yards during Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 29-year-old operated behind Hunter Henry once again but still managed to turn in his best game of the season as he posted season-highs in targets, receptions, and yards. Interestingly, he posted these results despite playing a season-low 38.3 percent of offensive snaps. While any efficient performance like this one will open the eyes of fantasy managers, we should caution that Hooper is still the No. 2 tight end in New England and doesn't have enough of a role to warrant fantasy consideration. He remains off the radar for Week 8 against the New York Jets.

Monday, October 21, 4:14 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that he thinks there's a chance that tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) can play on Sunday in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and hasn't played for the Saints since Week 4. The 34-year-old Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon could return this weekend, but he'll need to prove he's ready in practices this week. It's possible that Hill could have an expanded role in the backfield, and perhaps even under center for some plays, if quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) isn't ready to return in Week 8. However, fantasy managers can't bank on that kind of role from a player whose involvement is already unpredictable. In his three games in 2024, Hill has 14 carries for 77 yards and two TDs while catching only two passes for two yards. If Hill returns in Week 8, he'll be an extremely volatile flex play or TE2.