The Bengals ruled out Hayden Hurst for Saturday’s game at New England due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Mitchell Wilcox

Things were trending well through the week, but clearly, the team doesn't want to risk anything to one of their offensive weapons, particularly after last night's Jets loss locked them into the playoffs. Mitchell Wilcox can operate as a high-end TE2 for TE desperate teams.

The Bengals are going through their final walkthrough before heading to New England tonight. Looks like everyone is here except Sam Hubbard. Jay Tufele is back after missing due to illness yesterday. Hayden Hurst is wearing a jersey so that’s another encouraging sign.

Related Players: Mitchell Wilcox

If Hurst is good to go, he should be considered a fringe TE1/2. Whoever gets the nod this week is going to have a positive matchup in New England against a defense that ranks top-10 in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed to every offensive position except tight end, where they rank 24th.

Per Hobson, Zac (Taylor) says Joe Mixon has chance to clear concussion protocol and says Hayden Hurst (calf) is doubtful this week.

Related Players: Mitchell Wilcox, Devin Asiasi

Just what the tight end position in fantasy needs is one less viable option, but here we are. Hurst has been having a marginal fantasy season on a whole, but was the TE13 on the season heading into Week 13. Mitchell Wilcox was the only other tight to earn a target last week, but Devin Asiasi was selected by the Patriots in the third round of the 2020 draft as an athletic passing game weapon. He would be the choice for deep, TE Premium leagues.

That was fast: The Bengals are hosting FA TE O.J. Howard on a visit today, and assuming all goes well with the physical, he’s expected to sign, the source said. The former first-rounder was a surprising cut yesterday, and this should come together today.

Related players: Hayden Hurst, Drew Sample, Mitchell Wilcox

Howard didn't have a great camp with the Bills, which caused his release. He had one standout game with the Bucs last year against the Eagles on a Thursday night, but other than that, it's been a while since Howard has been fantasy relevant. He could carve out a role on the Bengals, but the team has plenty of other targets for Joe Burrow. However, C.J. Uzomah - now with the Jets - was a red zone target for Burrow last season.