Austin Hooper News

Hooper tied for the third-most targets on the team and was relatively efficient with his opportunity to turn in his highest catch and yardage total since Week 14. While his numbers rebounded compared to his 2021 campaign with the Browns, Hooper was still in a timeshare among other tight ends on the Tennessee roster including Chigoziem Okonkwo and Geoff Swaim. Hooper will hit free agency this offseason, and even if he returns to Tennessee, Okonkwo will likely step into a more significant role in 2023 to Hooper's detriment.

Several of the Titans' pass catchers saw improved efficiency with Joshua Dobbs under center rather than Malik Willis. However, the opposite was true for Hooper, as he tallied his lowest yardage total since Week 8 despite seeing his second-highest target total of the season. Prior to Thursday's game, Hooper had managed multiple receptions in eight consecutive contests.

Hooper tied for the team lead with four targets, though he didn't manage much production with the opportunity. He delivered a key 15-yard gain on a potential game-winning drive with only 15 seconds remaining, but Malik Willis threw an interception on the following play. Hooper has now earned at least four targets in seven consecutive games.

Hooper played fewer snaps than both Chigoziem Okonkwo and Geoff Swaim, though he was still among three Titans with four targets. He made good use of the opportunity, and his 17-yard catch late in the fourth quarter led directly to a game-tying touchdown for Tennessee. After a slow start to the season, Hooper has at least 30 yards in seven of his last nine contests.

Hooper maintained a significant role in Tennessee's offense even with the emergence of Chigoziem Okonkwo, finishing tied for second on the team with five receptions. While he didn't find the end zone, Hooper managed explosive gains of 24 and 17 yards to account for the majority of his damage. He now has at least three receptions in each of his last five games, though he had previously failed to top 41 yards in that span.

Hooper had the majority of his involvement on a drive late in the second quarter, during which he caught a pair of nine-yard passes. He remains a part-time player with both Geoff Swim and Chigoziem Okonkwo also working into the tight end rotation, though Hooper has at least three receptions in four consecutive games. While his workload appears relatively safe, he has failed to surpass 41 yards in a game in that same span.