Ryan

Izzo

Izzo was acquired from the Patriots in March but is unable to crack GM Nick Caserio’s first roster. He caught 13 passes on 631 snaps last season in New England.

Houston continues its streak of downright depressing offseason acquisitions, this time trading a draft pick for a tight end with 16 catches in two years as a pro. After signing Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry, New England had little use for Izzo (or any other tight end on their 2020 roster). The Texans releasing veteran TE Darren Fells means Izzo will presumably compete with Jordan Akins for starting duty in what should be a miserable offense. TE Kalahe Warring -- a size-speed specimen -- is a darkhorse to take over the starting gig in 2021.

Izzo was listed with hamstring, hand and neck issues on this week’s injury report. It’s unclear which sent him to the reserved list. Izzo had been practicing on a limited basis, so perhaps he will be ready to return when first eligible in Week 17. Izzo has gobbled up 631 snaps this season but caught only 13 passes for 199 yards.

Asiasi had no known injured before being placed on IR in early November. He’s back on the team’s active roster and TE Ryan Izzo is now on IR. No tight end in New England’s run-heavy offense is going to provide fantasy value. Asiasi might be a savvy pickup in deeper tight end premium formats. He didn’t have a target in the season’s first five games.

If you’re looking for the Patriots’ starting tight end, Izzo is your guy. Unfortunately, all that means is he’ll be on the field as the primary run-blocking tight end. Izzo is not a recommended streamer for Week 2 even with Cam Newton looking healthy.

Izzo appeared in six games and made four starts last year. The Patriots have used rookies Dalton Keene and Devin Asiasi with their first-team offense, but Izzo’s run-blocking edge may make him the favorite to see the most Week 1 snaps.

Ben Watson posted a snap rate of at least 70% for the second consecutive week with Matt LaCosse (knee) and Izzo still sidelined. Still, Watson saw just one target in Week 8 with Sanu now functioning as the offense’s big-bodied interior receiver. Credit to Watson for pulling down his single target for an acrobatic 26-yard gain, but he’s simply a dart throw fantasy option as the passing game’s No. 5 (at best) option in most weeks.

Recently re-signed TE Ben Watson played 62-of-82 (76%) snaps and had five targets with both Matt LaCosse (knee) and Izzo sidelined against the Jets. Still, we’d caution in expecting too much consistent production from Watson, as the presence of Mohamed Sanu provides the Patriots with the big-bodied inside receiver they’ve been looking for since Rob Gronkowski retired. Treat Watson as more of a high-end TE2 than a true TE1 with LaCosse and Izzo again sidelined in Week 8.

Matt LaCosse (knee) is also out. Recently re-signed TE Ben Watson is expected to work as the offense’s three-down starter. Still, this is a spot to avoid against stud Jets SS Jamal Adams, who is PFF’s No. 4 overall safety among 88 qualified players through six weeks.

Matt LaCosse (knee) also didn’t practice. The Patriots are going to be without both Monday night, leaving a heavy workload for Ben Watson in his debut. With Josh Gordon also sidelined, Watson is on the TE2 radar for a matchup with the Jets.