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

Thursday, September 4, 10:52 AM

The Miami Dolphins have listed veteran Darren Waller as their starting tight end on the official depth chart, placing him ahead of Julian Hill and Tanner Conner. Waller briefly retired before last year but returned to the NFL this offseason, landing in Miami via trade from the New York Giants. The Dolphins are counting on Waller to help replace former Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith, who was traded to Pittsburgh in a blockbuster trade. While Waller did not practice on Wednesday due to a hip issue, the team emphasized that he has not suffered any setbacks and remains on a ramp-up schedule. Miami opens the season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Dolphins are hopeful their new starting tight end will be active in Week 1.

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.