Who Should I Start? Tyree Jackson or Jake Haener

Friday, August 18, 10:25 AM

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Tyree Jackson caught both of his targets and gained 41 yards during the team's 18-18 preseason tie with the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old tore his ACL at the end of the 2021 season and failed to net a reception in 2022. The fact that Philadelphia brought him back this offseason to a crowded tight-end room shows that they believe he is talented, and he showed his explosiveness on a completion deep up the right side of the field for 35 yards in the fourth quarter Thursday night. However, with Dan Arnold and second-year tight end Grant Calcaterra likely making the final 53-man roster, Jackson will have a tough time surviving cutdowns unless he absolutely explodes next week against the Colts. Expect Jackson to land on the Eagles practice squad by the time the regular season rolls around.

Friday, October 18, 4:40 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener was probably not expecting to be on the field for Thursday's game against the Denver Broncos. Even with Derek Carr (oblique) needing more time to heal, Spencer Rattler (hip) was the expected starter and it was made clear by the team that the rookie would be given a long leash. As it so happened, Rattler himself was forced to the sidelines after falling awkwardly when he was sacked with just over four minutes left in the game. The play resulted in a fumble that the Broncos returned for a touchdown, putting Haener under center on short notice. The second-year quarterback from Fresno State looked better than he did when he relieved Carr in Week 5. Haener completed 3-of-4 passes for 38 yards and a touchdown, the first of his career. It is too soon to tell if Rattler's injury is enough to keep him out of action but if he is held out of Week 8 then Haener would be the next man up. Whoever draws the start won't have it easy as the Saints next face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game in 2024.