Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Ian Thomas

Monday, October 28, 12:44 AM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry converted six targets into five catches for 45 yards during Sunday's Week 8 win over the New York Jets. The veteran pass-catcher has been on an impressive run lately, totaling 16 catches, 178 yards, and one touchdown over his last three games. At first, it seemed like the midseason benching of Jacoby Brissett was the main reason for Henry's sudden success. However, on Sunday, most of his production actually came with the veteran quarterback on the field. Henry caught just one pass before Drake Maye (head) exited the game; his remaining five targets and four catches came from Brissett. His splits suggest that he's a dependable fantasy option against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 regardless of whether Maye is healthy or Brissett makes the start. Fantasy managers should view Henry as a high-end TE2 who can be justified as a viable replacement for tight ends injured or on bye.

Saturday, September 7, 1:42 PM

The Carolina Panthers placed tight end Ian Thomas (calf) on Injured Reserve on Saturday after already ruling him out for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. In addition to putting Thomas on IR, the team also waived cornerback Keenan Isaac and signed tight end Feleipe Franks and defensive tackle Jayden Peevy to the active 53-man roster from the practice squad. Thomas will now miss at least the first four weeks of the 2024 season after being sidelined since early in training camp with a calf injury. Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) has already been ruled out for Week 1 as well, so Carolina is entering the regular season already thin at the TE position, meaning rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders will mostly likely be thrust into the top pass-catching role right away.