Who Should I Start? Tre'Quan Smith or T.J. Hockenson

Tuesday, October 3, 5:21 PM

The Denver Broncos signed free-agent wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (groin) to their practice squad on Tuesday and waived cornerback Essang Bassey and released wide receiver Michael Bandy from the practice squad in corresponding moves. Smith began the season on Injured Reserve with the New Orleans Saints due to a groin injury he suffered in training camp, but he's apparently healthy now and will have another opportunity in Denver as he reunites with his former head coach Sean Payton. The 27-year-old remains well off the fantasy radar for now. In his five seasons with the Saints since 2018, Smith has put up 131 receptions (196 targets) for 1,764 yards and 18 touchdowns in 66 games (35 starts). He had just 19 catches for 278 yards and one score in 15 games (six starts) in 2022.

Tuesday, December 26, 4:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Given the late-season injury, the 26-year-old could start the 2024 season on the PUP list. The former first-round pick signed a four-year, $66 million contract this offseason with Minnesota. Hockenson had career-highs in receptions, receiving, yards, and targets during his first entire season with the Vikings. He caught 95 of 127 targets for 965 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games in 2023. Hockenson will likely undergo surgery in the next few weeks and looks to recover fully in 2024. Josh Oliver is expected to be Minnesota's top tight end with Hockenson sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for tight end help or a replacement for Hockenson can look to add Oliver in most league formats.