Who Should I Start? Noah Fant or Hunter Long

Saturday, August 16, 11:27 AM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant will play in Monday's second preseason game against the Washington Commanders, head coach Zac Taylor told the media. It'll be Fant's preseason debut and first in-game action with the Bengals, who picked him up in free agency on July 31. The 27-year-old is a proven veteran who has amassed 288 catches and 15 touchdowns over six seasons between Denver and Seattle, but he figures to serve as Cincinnati's No. 2 tight end. Starter Mike Gesicki (hamstring) has been dealing with a hamstring injury and won't play Monday, though that injury is unlikely to keep him out of regular-season action. If it does, Fant's a good fallback option to have.

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.