Who Should I Start? Jaheim Bell or AJ Barner

Tuesday, August 20, 9:58 PM

New England Patriots rookie tight end Jaheim Bell suddenly found himself at the top of the depth chart early this week with Hunter Henry (lower body) and Austin Hooper (undisclosed) held out of practice and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) leaving practice early with his injury. Bell has taken a lot of reps and caught touchdowns from three different quarterbacks as he is making the most of the opportunity on the field with several tight ends ahead of him out for recent practice sessions. While Bell should not be drafted in fantasy football for 2024, he could be somebody to keep an eye on if injuries continue to strike the tight end room. The 23-year-old from Florida State should get plenty of work in the Patriots' final preseason game against the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.

Friday, November 15, 4:52 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.