Who Should I Start? Taysom Hill or Donald Parham

Monday, October 21, 4:14 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that he thinks there's a chance that tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) can play on Sunday in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and hasn't played for the Saints since Week 4. The 34-year-old Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon could return this weekend, but he'll need to prove he's ready in practices this week. It's possible that Hill could have an expanded role in the backfield, and perhaps even under center for some plays, if quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) isn't ready to return in Week 8. However, fantasy managers can't bank on that kind of role from a player whose involvement is already unpredictable. In his three games in 2024, Hill has 14 carries for 77 yards and two TDs while catching only two passes for two yards. If Hill returns in Week 8, he'll be an extremely volatile flex play or TE2.

Monday, August 12, 8:26 PM

As things currently stand in training camp, The Athletic's Daniel Popper lists Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst and Stone Smartt as the three TEs he thinks will make the final roster. Donald Parham Jr. and Ben Mason have missed significant practice time with injuries, and when Parham has been on the field, he has been working with the second and third teams. His blocking also remains a weakness. Zach Heins and Luke Benson have flashed at times, but they don't seem deserving of a roster spot over one of the other team's receivers. Smartt has improved as a blocker, which is why Popper thinks he'll earn a 53-man roster spot for a run-heavy Greg Roman offense this year. Parham's fantasy value in dynasty/keeper leagues is quickly evaporating, even though he set career-highs in catches (27), yards (285) and touchdowns (four) in 2023.