Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Isaiah Likely

Friday, September 12, 5:23 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be viewed as a starting option when his team plays host to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. The Iowa product had an unremarkable statistical performance in Week 1, but so did most of the Vikings, who were brutal offensively for three quarters before surging to victory in the fourth against the Bears. This time out, Hockenson faces a Falcons defense that is mid-tier against tight ends while the Vikings are still missing No. 2 wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) for another couple weeks. The passing game led by first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy figures to see a boost behind the home crowd, and Hockenson should be one of the biggest benefactors.

Friday, September 12, 12:51 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) was in uniform and doing a workout in front of the training and medical staff on Friday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Likely has "upped his activity level" and is getting closer, but he won't play in Week 2 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns. It sounds as though Likely could return as early as Week 3 against the Detroit Lions after fracturing his foot in training camp. The 25-year-old will miss a second straight game to open the year, giving veteran tight end Mark Andrews an opportunity for increased opportunities this Sunday after he fell flat in the season-opening loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday night, when he had just one catch for five yards. We'd expect Andrews to be more involved this weekend, especially if receiver Rashod Bateman (undisclosed) cannot play.