However the offense takes shape, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, the team’s highest-paid and most established weapons, will be featured. They are the rock upon which Bill Belichick has rebuilt his offense. And offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels isn’t discouraged whatsoever by their lack of time together this summer.

Related players: Mac Jones

The story went on to say signing Henry and Smith was an organizational recommitment to reclaiming the middle of the field, where the Patriots have drawn battle lines for two decades. Belichick has preached winning between the numbers since his days coaching in Cleveland. If Henry and Smith succeed in the box and down the seam, Jones will thrive. Smith and Henry were banged up a lot during camp and missed valuable time, so it remains to be seen how quick the team can turn to this offense and have success. We have Smith ranked higher but, based on this story, it's possible Henry could turn into a sneaky pick and play this season.

Hunter Henry injured a shoulder in the Aug. 8 practice. He missed the entire preseason.

The tight end, though, expects to play Sunday in his Patriots debut.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

Henry and Smith, another free agent addition, have yet to share the field together in a game setting, the story pointed out. Of course, fantasy owners are wondering which TE emerges as the go-to guy in the offense. A wait-and-see approach may be the best bet if you have another TE option.

Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry also in full pads.

Callahan added we'll have to see what their participation levels are on Monday, but it's certainly a good sign. The hope is both should be ready to go for Week 1, but from a fantasy point of view it could take some time to see where the value is for both players.

TE Jonnu Smith sustained a low left ankle sprain early in Sunday’s practice.

Related players: Hunter Henry

There is no firm timetable on his return, according to the tweet. But based on the initial diagnosis, it isn’t considered a serious injury the tweet went on to say. The Pats spent heavily on TE this offseason bringing in Smith and Henry, but now both are missing time leading up to the season.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry now is expected to miss “a couple of weeks” with the shoulder injury he suffered last weekend.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

The good news, according to the rest of Schefter's tweet, is the injury isn't serious. But in the meantime, Smith will perhaps get a leg up on Henry at the position.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry injured his shoulder in Sunday's practice, and is having an MRI, per a source.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

Reiss went on to say the initial indications are that the injury doesn't appear serious. But the bad news is the injury is painful and Henry could miss time in the preseason from what Reiss is saying. It will open the door a bit for Smith.

And New England strikes again: The Patriots are signing former Chargers' TE Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, including $25 million guaranteed, per source.

Hunter Henry joins fellow free-agent TE Jonnu Smith in New England on a three-year deal. The former Charger has put up starting TE numbers in three of the past four seasons and finds himself on a team with a whole slew of new weapons. The Patriots were the favorites to sign Henry until they locked up Jonnu Smith. It turns out that they wanted both players, and it appears that the team is trying to recreate the Rob Gronkowski/Aaron Hernandez offense of several years ago. Henry's arrival throws some cold water on Smith's upside since he's another mouth to feed in what was a very run-heavy offense last year. It's clear that the Patriots are planning to throw the ball more, the question is how much. Neither player is a clear and obvious fantasy TE1 at this point.

Related: Jonnu Smith, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne

Chargers informed TE Hunter Henry that he will not be tagged, per source. Henry is headed to free agency.

Hunter Henry has finished as a starting fantasy TE in four of the last five seasons and at only 26-years old, still has plenty in the tank to offer any NFL team. With the fantasy landscape so bare at TE, regardless of landing spot, Henry should still be considered a Top-10 at his position come draft time.