Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Kyle Pitts Sr.

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.

Saturday, August 30, 8:09 AM

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. could be on the move this year, according to the latest report from The Athletic's Jeff Howe. Howe reported that if the Falcons struggle early in the season and Pitts isn't clicking with new quarterback Michael Penix Jr., he could be available before the trade deadline. Pitts is coming into the final year of his huge five-year rookie contract and will earn a hefty $10.878 million salary. While that huge price tag will make a trade tricky, teams have been willing to eat salary to add a playmaker or to add draft capital if the Falcons include a draft pick in the deal. Pitts hauled in 47 catches for 602 yards and a career-high four touchdowns while playing all 17 games last season. He posted over 600 yards in each of the last two years, but he hasn't consistently delivered on the upside that he promised as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. A change of scenery would be interesting for Pitts and his fantasy value as a fringe TE1 before he hits the free agent market after this season.