Who Should I Start? Jake Ferguson or Mason Taylor

Sunday, August 17, 10:48 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (back) did not play during the team's preseason contest against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. The 26-year-old was sidelined near the start of the month, and although he returned to the practice field roughly one week ago, it appears that he wasn't healthy enough to play in Dallas' second preseason game. As a result, the Cowboys gave more passing opportunities to tight ends John Stephens Jr. and Princeton Fant. However, in reality, Devyn Spann-Ford and Luke Schoonmaker would be first in line to replace Ferguson if he's unable to suit up in Week 1. He's still an intriguing fringe top-12 fantasy tight end with Dak Prescott back under center this year. Even last year, while catching passes from both Prescott and Cooper Rush, Ferguson caught 59 passes for 494 yards. He did not catch a touchdown, finishing 2024 with double-digit fantasy points in just three of his 14 games. However, positive touchdown regression could vault him back up into the top-12 or top-15 range this year.

Sunday, August 24, 3:01 PM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor was one of many key players who did not play in the team's final preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday. A second-round pick out of LSU, Taylor battled an ankle injury earlier in training camp but has reportedly impressed in practice during his time on the field. Taylor was listed behind Jeremy Ruckert at tight end on the team's first unofficial depth chart. However, Ruckert was on the field for the preseason finale, which could indicate that Taylor will open the season as the team's top tight end. Taylor should not be expected to provide top-12 fantasy production at the position early in his rookie season. However, he could eventually emerge as a key contributor in New York with the team low on pass-catching talent behind top wide receiver Garrett Wilson.