Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Cade Otton

Tuesday, August 5, 12:32 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (undisclosed) will not play in the preseason opener on Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles due to an undisclosed injury, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Gesicki said he'd be questionable but optimistic if it was a game week during the regular season. The Bengals will play their starters for a little bit on Thursday, but Gesicki won't be included while he manages what is likely a minor injury. The 29-year-old appeared to injure his leg during a scrimmage over the weekend on Saturday, but fantasy managers will want to check back for more updates on Gesicki. Hopefully, he's back on the field again sooner than later. A longer than expected absence would open up more playing time for new TE Noah Fant. When healthy, Gesicki is merely a low-end TE2 in fantasy while being overshadowed by bit-time receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Monday, August 11, 11:36 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (hamstring) is practicing on Monday for the first time since the opening week of training camp, according to Greg Auman of Fox Sports. The 26-year-old set career-highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (600) in 2024 with the Buccaneers despite being limited to just 14 games. Otton is the clear TE1 in Tampa Bay, but he faces significant target competition due to the team's deep wide receiver corps. He does not profile as a starter in one-tight-end fantasy formats, but his outlook would improve if the Buccaneers were to face significant injuries at the wide receiver position.