AustinHooper

News: 3 days agoHooper didn't see any action in Sunday's preseason finale against the Commanders.

Spin: Per Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site, Hooper was in uniform for the contest, but with top TE Hunter Henry still sidelined by an undisclosed injury and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) also unavailable Sunday, Jaheim Bell, La'Michael Pettway and Jacob Warren were given one last opportunity to make their cases for depth slotting ahead of the team's roster cut downs. As Week 1 approaches, Hooper's fantasy upside early on this season hinges on Henry's availability. When both players are active, Hooper is slated to work in a complementary role.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Hooper enters his first season with the Patriots, reuniting with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who previously held the same position with the Browns. During his two seasons in Cleveland under Van Pelt in 2020 and 2021, Hooper tallied 84 receptions, 780 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While Hunter Henry is expected to lead the Pats' TE group in targets, Hooper will serve as a nice complement in his age-30 season. But that does not make him worth drafting in most leagues.