Hunter Bryant

Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com conducted his Friday mailbag column and was asked about the Lions featuring TE T.J. Hockenson this week. "T.J. Hockenson has at least four receptions and 50 receiving yards in each of Detroit's first three contests," wrote Twentyman.

"... New Orleans has struggled defending the tight end this season. They've given up 29 catches for 200 yards and four touchdowns in three games to opposing tight ends. I'd expect Hockenson, (Jesse) James and potentially Hunter Bryant, who returned to practice this week, to be a big part of the offense this week. This is a copycat league, and teams will exploit you until you prove you can stop it."

Hockenson's floor has been zero more often than not over his career, but 2020 has shown a higher floor with a lower ceiling. Hockenson has to step up this week because the Saints do have imposing cornerbacks on the outside and could shut down Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones. The second-year tight end should be a TE1 in what has been another down year for the position.