Who Should I Start? Cade Otton or Mason Taylor

Tuesday, August 5, 9:41 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (hamstring) will remain out for the team's practice on Tuesday, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Otton has been sidelined for over a week with what Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles described as a "mild" hamstring strain. There's been no indication as of yet that Otton is at risk of missing regular-season time. If the injury does end up sidelining him, Payne Durham and Ko Kieft would be in line for more snaps at tight end in Tampa Bay. In 14 games for the Buccaneers in 2024, Otton recorded 59 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns. There's significant target competition for him in Tampa Bay due to the team's talent and depth at wide receiver, so Otton profiles as a TE2 for fantasy.

Tuesday, August 5, 11:27 AM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (ankle) has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be sidelined for at least the opening game of the preseason and potentially longer, given the severity. The Jets selected the former LSU Tiger in the second round (42nd overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Taylor tallied a career-high 546 yards on 55 receptions during his final season at LSU in 2024. For the time being, Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt should continue to see most of the starting opportunities. Taylor appears to have a path to earning the starting role, given the lack of production on the depth chart. However, this injury could make it difficult for Taylor to earn key reps during training camp. For now, fantasy managers should view him as a dynasty stash and only a late-round option in deeper, 14+ team redraft leagues.