Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or T.J. Hockenson

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 5:06 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip, leg) will take part in Wednesday's training camp practice, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Hockenson injured his hip/leg during Saturday's practice and was walking around with a noticeable limp, but it wasn't a serious injury, and he's already back on the practice field. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings hold the 28-year-old out of their preseason opener this Saturday against the Houston Texans, but Hockenson shouldn't be in any danger of not being ready for Week 1 of the regular season. The two-time Pro Bowler played in only 10 games (nine starts) in his second full season with Minnesota last year due to injury, but he proved in 2023 that he's at least a midrange TE1 in fantasy when healthy with a 95-960-5 line. Hockenson should see more targets to begin the year with receiver Jordan Addison suspended, too.