Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or T.J. Hockenson

Tuesday, August 12, 1:19 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller will not join the team for training camp practices this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. Waller began camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to conditioning issues after coming out of retirement, and McDaniel isn't ready to throw him iinto the fire during joint practices this week with the Detroit Lions. The 32-year-old veteran will continue to work on his conditioning after not playing at all in 2024, but he's unlikely to come off the PUP list and play in the second preseason game this Saturday against the Lions. Waller had back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2019 and 2020 with the Raiders, but it's fair to wonder if he has that kind of production in him at this point in his career. He's worth a late-round flier as a TE2 given the weak nature of the position, but don't expect him to put up the numbers that Jonnu Smith did in Miami in 2024.

Wednesday, August 6, 5:06 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip, leg) will take part in Wednesday's training camp practice, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Hockenson injured his hip/leg during Saturday's practice and was walking around with a noticeable limp, but it wasn't a serious injury, and he's already back on the practice field. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings hold the 28-year-old out of their preseason opener this Saturday against the Houston Texans, but Hockenson shouldn't be in any danger of not being ready for Week 1 of the regular season. The two-time Pro Bowler played in only 10 games (nine starts) in his second full season with Minnesota last year due to injury, but he proved in 2023 that he's at least a midrange TE1 in fantasy when healthy with a 95-960-5 line. Hockenson should see more targets to begin the year with receiver Jordan Addison suspended, too.