There may not have been any NFL games recently, but many players are still dealing with injuries. With fantasy football drafts just a few weeks away, it’s important to know whether injured players are likely to be ready for the start of the season. We recently put together an all-encompassing fantasy injury update, but here’s the latest on various tight-end injuries throughout the league.
T.J. Hockenson Injury Update
T.J. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL last season. Given the nature of his position, it’s easier for him to return than a guy like Chubb. However, Hockenson’s injury occurred in Week 17. An injury that late in the season makes it highly unlikely that he’ll be anywhere close to fully recovered in time to start the season.
Hockenson opened training camp on the PUP list and will likely remain there to start the season. It’s highly probable he returns at some point, though, but he won’t be fully back until next year. I would not consider drafting Hockenson until the final round or two of redraft leagues.
Tucker Kraft Injury Update
The Packers’ tight end really came on strong last season after Luke Musgrave went on IR. However, Tucker Kraft has fallen a bit behind in the TE competition due to his inability to practice as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle.
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There is good news, though. Kraft is reportedly close to getting back on the practice field. Fantasy managers should pay attention to this key positional battle, as the outcome could determine who is the better fantasy asset between Kraft and Musgrave.
Tyler Higbee Injury Update
Tyler Higbee remains on the PUP list as he works his way back from a torn ACL and MCL. Given that the injury was sustained so late in the season, it is extremely unlikely he is ready for Week 1.
In the interim, Colby Parkinson has been working with the first team. The former Seattle Seahawks TE hasn’t done much to start his career, but he could be poised to see the largest role of his career.
The Los Angeles Rams TE1 has always been on the fantasy radar during the Sean McVay era. Parkinson is worth a look in deeper leagues for those managers who completely punt the tight end position.