Smith questionable for Week 11

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game vs. the Falcons. He's not a fantasy option, but his absence would be a boost for TE Hunter Henry.

Patriots HC Bill Belichick said TE Jonnu Smith had a "really good offseason." Smith was a major disappointment in his Pats debut last year, but he drew positive buzz throughout the summer and notably matched TE Hunter Henry in snaps and routes in the preseason finale. "His fundamentals and technique look good," Belichick said "He's put himself in position I think to go out and play well." Smith is worth a look late in fantasy drafts of 18+ rounds and should be on your waiver-wire watch list.

There have been multiple reports of Patriots TE Jonnu Smith showing well in training camp workouts. Sounds like new QBs coach Joe Judge is a fan. "He had a terrific offseason for us," Judge said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. The crowd of pass-catchers in New England is the biggest concern, limiting the opportunity for a guy who got a 4-year, $50 million deal in free agency last offseason. Reiss, at least, says the mere 18% of plays that put both Smith and Hunter Henry on the field last year should increase this season. Smith might still need a Henry injury to be usable outside of best-ball fantasy football leagues.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith is soaking up all the reps he can get in OTAs after missing time last offseason. “My [2021 offseason] was choppy and I missed some quality time here. I recognize how valuable that time is. I’m here to take advantage of that," Smith said Monday. After inking a 4-year, $50 million deal with New England last year, Smith's 2021 campaign was a disaster. He turns just 27 in August, though, and is at least worth keeping an eye on this summer.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is active for tonight's game vs. the Falcons. He's not a fantasy option but does put a small dent in TE Hunter Henry's profile.

Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is inactive for today's game vs. the Browns. Hopefully you weren't planning on using him. Smith's absence could mean an extra target or 2 for TE Hunter Henry.