Who Should I Start? Juwan Johnson or Hunter Long

Saturday, November 16, 3:17 AM

The New Orleans Saints have been rocked by injuries over the last several weeks. Wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion), Rashid Shaheed (knee), and Bub Means (ankle) are all on injured reserve, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (shoulder) has missed two of the team's last three games and has a questionable tag for Sunday. With so many pass catchers ailing, one would expect that it would provide others ample opportunity for a bump in production. Unfortunately, that has not been the case for tight end Juwan Johnson. Over the last three weeks he has seven catches for 111 yards on nine targets. His last trip to the end zone came in Week 1 and his odds to change that against the Browns on Sunday are slim. In 2024, Cleveland has allowed just one touchdown to opposing tight ends and the third-fewest receptions to the position. Johnson can stay on the wire in Week 11.

Wednesday, July 10, 9:10 PM

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.