Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or T.J. Hockenson

Saturday, August 16, 2:31 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz will sit out Monday's preseason matchup with the Bengals. While he's not listed on the injury report, the team is expected to rest the 33-year-old veteran as a precaution. Ertz has secured the starting role and should remain a steady option for quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. The veteran played all 17 games last year, his first full campaign since 2021. Ertz projects as a low-end TE2 in fantasy and is unlikely to be drafted outside of deeper formats, but he remains a reliable security blanket in Washington's offense.

Wednesday, August 6, 5:06 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (hip, leg) will take part in Wednesday's training camp practice, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. Hockenson injured his hip/leg during Saturday's practice and was walking around with a noticeable limp, but it wasn't a serious injury, and he's already back on the practice field. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Vikings hold the 28-year-old out of their preseason opener this Saturday against the Houston Texans, but Hockenson shouldn't be in any danger of not being ready for Week 1 of the regular season. The two-time Pro Bowler played in only 10 games (nine starts) in his second full season with Minnesota last year due to injury, but he proved in 2023 that he's at least a midrange TE1 in fantasy when healthy with a 95-960-5 line. Hockenson should see more targets to begin the year with receiver Jordan Addison suspended, too.