Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Colston Loveland

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.

Sunday, August 17, 10:30 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland caught two passes on two targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 38-0 win against the Buffalo Bills. The 2025 first-round pick caught the game's first pass from quarterback Caleb Williams, as well as hauling in an 18-yard reception over the middle on 2nd-and-14. Despite Loveland's solid night, he only played four of nine snaps when the Bears ran one-tight end formations. A tight end rotation is currently in the works with veteran tight end Cole Kmet, but expect Loveland's role to grow as the season progresses. With the crowded receiving corps and an uncertain role early in the season, Loveland should only be considered in the late rounds of fantasy drafts.