Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Pat Freiermuth

Sunday, October 1, 8:23 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught just two of three targets for 24 yards in the team's 21-13 win over the Panthers. Hockenson was outpaced by Justin Jefferson in targets once again, but it proved to be detrimental in this one as Kirk Cousins attempted just 19 passes. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his lack of production in this one, as the Vikings figure to continue being one of the more pass-heavy offenses despite what was on display in Week 4. Hockenson should be treated as an elite TE1 option in Week 5 in what should be a high-scoring affair with the Chiefs.

Tuesday, October 3, 12:53 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) is expected to miss two-to-three weeks, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Freiermuth suffered a hamstring injury during Week 4's loss to the Houston Texans, and this development coincides with a previous report that he isn't dealing with just a tweak. The 24-year-old is currently labeled as questionable for Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens, but he should be deemed closer to the doubtful side of that tag based on this timetable. Pittsburgh has a Week 6 bye, so perhaps fantasy managers can circle Week 7 (Oct. 22) as a reasonable Freiermuth return date. Third-round rookie Darnell Washington, a freak athlete out of Georgia, could be in for an augmented role if Freiermuth indeed misses time, but he wouldn't be a recommended streamer against a Ravens defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2023.