Who Should I Start? Hayden Hurst or Josh Oliver

Thursday, December 19, 12:07 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers plan to activate tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) from Injured Reserve to play in Thursday's divisional clash against the visiting Denver Broncos, according to a source. Hurst landed on IR in late November with a hip injury, but he has practiced in full since having his 21-day practice window opened this week. It's good timing for the 31-year-old with fellow tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) already ruled out for Week 16. Hurst last played in Week 10, though, so it's fair to expect him to be on a limited snap count in his first game back on a short week. Additionally, Hurst won't be a viable starting option in fantasy in a tough matchup against the stout Broncos defense. Hurst should work alongside Stone Smartt, who will be the better TE2 streaming upside play in DFS and deeper fantasy leagues. Hurst caught only seven passes for 65 yards on 12 targets in seven games before going on IR.

Monday, December 9, 10:54 AM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver caught one of two targets for 26 yards during Sunday's Week 14 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He had been averaging 10.9 fantasy points (PPR) over his last four games, but then he missed two weeks due to injury and came back down to earth in his return to the field on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps part of the reason for his reduced production was that he played just 50 percent of the offensive snaps; that was his lowest mark since Week 3. Oliver remains the clear No. 2 tight end behind T.J. Hockenson, which lowers his floor significantly and keeps him off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues.