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

Wednesday, August 20, 3:51 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight ends Mike Gesicki (hamstring) and Drew Sample (undisclosed) are considered day-to-day and could play in the team's preseason finale on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts if they are needed, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. We'd be surprised if Gesicki actually played this weekend, but he should be just fine for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Cleveland Browns in the first week of September. Noah Fant could take some looks away from Gesicki in two-tight end sets in 2025, but the full expectation is that Gesicki will remain the team's No. 1 pass-catcher at the position. The 29-year-old had 65 catches for 665 yards and only two touchdowns in 17 games in his first year in Cincinnati and should be viewed as a low-end TE2 target in an offense with a elite 1-2 receiver punch in 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.