Las Vegas Raiders free-agent tight end Austin Hooper is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million with the New England Patriots on Wednesday. The veteran tight end will reunite with new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who was with Hooper with the Cleveland Browns. Hooper made the Pro Bowl two straight years from 2018-19 while with the Atlanta Falcons, but he hasn't been nearly as involved as he was then in the last four seasons with the Browns, Titans and Raiders. In 17 games (nine starts) last year in Vegas, the 29-year-old caught just 25 of 31 targets for 234 yards and no touchdowns. With Pharaoh Brown now gone, Hooper figures to serve as New England's No. 2 TE behind Hunter Henry in 2024. Unless Henry gets hurt, Hooper is unlikely to have a significant enough role to warrant fantasy consideration in standard-sized leagues.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (calf) upgraded to a full participant in practice on Friday. As a result, he has been removed from the final injury report and will play in Week 10 versus the New York Jets. Hooper has been a steady contributor this season, catching at least one pass in eight of nine games. However, he doesn't see nearly enough snaps or volume to justify rostering him in fantasy football. He remains behind Michael Mayer on the depth chart and belongs on waivers in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Austin Hooper (calf) was limited in the team's practice on Wednesday. Hooper played his usual snaps in the Raiders' 30-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 9, and the team is likely easing his practice reps to start the week. The veteran caught his only target for 10 yards last week while remaining behind rookie tight end Michael Mayer on the depth chart. Hooper will have two more chances to upgrade to full before Las Vegas takes on the New York Jets in Week 10 on Sunday night football. If he suits up, he should only be started in extremely deep tight end premium leagues.

From RotoBaller