Who Should I Start? Tanner Hudson or AJ Barner

Tuesday, October 14, 6:42 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol and was listed as a non-participant in practice on Tuesday for the second straight day this week, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Hudson suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday and probably isn't going to be cleared in time to face the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. In addition to Hudson, fellow TE Mike Gesicki (pectoral) suffered an injury on Sunday and is expected to be out for a while. That will leave Noah Fant as the team's likely top pass-catching tight end for Thursday night's game. Drew Sample and Cam Grandy could also have elevated roles. Fant, a former first-rounder by the Denver Broncos, has been efficient in limited work this year, catching 16 of his 18 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown.

Monday, October 13, 11:29 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner saw his production dip slightly in Sunday's 20-12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was still effective even on minimal work. Barner caught a career-high seven passes in Week 5, but drew only three targets against Jacksonville (3/71). Despite the downtick, the 23-year-old placed second in yards, receptions, and looks to target hog teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and remains an intriguing fantasy play. While the touchdowns can't be counted on every week, Barner is far and away the snap leader at his position, and the clear third target on the team behind Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. Fantasy managers can't expect weekly consistency quite yet with diminished target totals, but the Michigan alum is an excellent streaming option and is slowly rising up the dynasty ranks.