Who Should I Start? Xavier Hutchinson or Mason Tipton

Monday, August 25, 11:20 AM

ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime projects Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson to open the season on the team's 53-man roster. A sixth-round pick in 2023, Hutchinson has recorded 20 catches for 207 yards and zero touchdowns across 32 career games for Houston. He's reportedly been rotating with second-round rookie Jayden Higgins as an outside receiver alongside Nico Collins and Christian Kirk when the Texans line up in three-receiver formations. Hutchinson is unlikely to block Higgins from full playing time for the entire season, but Hutchinson could take snaps and targets away from the highly-touted rookie early in the year.

Sunday, August 17, 5:27 PM

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Mason Tipton continues to impress in the preseason, recording six receptions for 100 yards in Sunday's 17-17 tie against the Jaguars, including a 45-yard reception downfield on a great ball from second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler. Tipton's speed also drew a 45-yard pass interference penalty, setting up a Saints field goal to start the third quarter. He has shown that his quickness could play a key role for New Orleans this season, as he also caught a 54-yard touchdown in the first preseason game against the Chargers off a pass from Tyler Shough. With veterans Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson Jr., and Dante Pettis on the roster, it remains to be seen how significant Tipton's role will be behind solidified starters Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Still, he is a player to monitor if his usage expands in the regular season.