#FALCONS TRAINING CAMP NOTES, Day 17 (Aug. 26) -- This was the final practice of training camp and meant to simulate a Friday regular-season schedule -- Arguably the best day of camp for the quarterbacks -- QB Tua Tagovailoa was 9-of-10 passing in 11s -- Tagovailoa completed passes in 11s to RB Bijan Robinson (2), TE Austin Hooper, WR Vinny Anthony, RB Brian Robinson Jr., TE Kyle Pitts, WR Jahan Dotson, WR Zachariah Branch and WR Chris Blair -- QB Michael Penix was 6-of-8 passing in 11s -- Pe...

Insight page Source View post on X

NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper, in his 11th year with the Falcons, is now the senior member of the tight end group. Kyle Pitts referred to Hooper as 'the granddad of the group now' and 'the patriarch,' indicating Hooper's veteran leadership role in the offense.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeDepth ChartAug 16, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Hooper played only 5 snaps at tight end; Layden Robinson noted he is on an expiring deal and the tight end depth chart could use another developmental pass catcher, suggesting potential roster uncertainty.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageAug 10, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Hooper was heavily targeted throughout Falcons training camp under the new Stefanski offense. The source emphasizes that the Falcons are going to force defenses to respect the threat of tight ends escaping into the flat or chipping and leaking on every single play, indicating a significant increase in tight end usage compared to the previous regime.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageAug 10, 2026The Falcoholic

Austin Hooper was heavily targeted throughout training camp under Kevin Stefanski's offense. The source notes that Stefanski's preferences for the tight end position haven't changed and the tight end position will be heavily targeted. Every single skill position player is a potential target in Stefanski's system, and the Falcons are going to force defenses to respect the threat of the tight end escaping into the flat or chipping and leaking on every single play.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 7, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Austin Hooper was added to the Falcons at tight end, giving them a third experienced TE option alongside Kyle Pitts and blocker Charlie Woerner. The team isn't carrying a fullback, so multi-TE looks will be deployed as heavier sets.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageAug 5, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Hooper got a lot of targets in practice and will be heavily involved in the passing game; he was peppered with targets in the short game from Michael Penix Jr., setting up YAC opportunities; this represents a big change from 2025.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleAug 5, 2026The Falcoholic

Hooper got a lot of targets in the passing game, with Penix peppering him with targets in the short game and setting up YAC opportunities. The tight ends will be heavily involved in the passing game, marking a big change from 2025.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveProjectionAug 4, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper got a lot of reps in Kyle Pitts' absence and made some nice catches during practice.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageAug 4, 2026The Falcoholic

Got a lot of reps in Kyle Pitts' absence on Day 6 and made some nice catches, benefiting from the increased opportunity.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper was used in team drills on Day 4 to evaluate rookie linebacker Kendal Daniels' coverage abilities.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageJul 31, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper caught a beautiful pass from Cooper Rush in 11-on-11s on Friday.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 31, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Return has put pressure on Charlie Woerner for the second tight end role in the Falcons' anticipated 12-personnel approach; is the most well-rounded tight end in the room and appears to have the edge if the team wants more versatility, though Woerner's superior blocking and lower cap hit may factor into the decision.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026The Falcoholic

Hooper's return from injury has created a tight end competition with Charlie Woerner for the second tight end role opposite Kyle Pitts in the Falcons' anticipated 12-personnel scheme. The source describes Hooper as 'the most well-rounded tight end in the room,' suggesting he has the edge in versatility; with Keven Stefanski's hire, the team is expected to lean heavily on two-tight-end packages, and 'it seems that it would be Hooper's job to lose' despite Woerner's superior blocking and lower cap hit.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026The Falcoholic

Hooper's return has created competition for the tight end role opposite Kyle Pitts in the Falcons' anticipated 12-personnel scheme (two tight ends, two wide receivers, one running back). The source notes Hooper is the most well-rounded tight end in the room, and with Keven Stefanski's offensive approach, it appears to be Hooper's job to lose despite Charlie Woerner's superior blocking and larger cap hit.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveProjectionJul 28, 2026RotoWire NFL Articles

Hooper is cited as one of just 18 tight ends since 2017 who scored 12-plus PPR points per game (minimum 8 games) while being drafted as TE10 or later. The 2019 version is highlighted as one of only four outliers who succeeded without being in a new offense AND despite ample pass-game competition (Julio Jones, Ridley). He benefited from playing in an immensely productive passing game led by longtime stud QB Matt Ryan.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper is competing with Charlie Woerner for the TE2 role alongside Kyle Pitts. The source notes that Hooper is more well-rounded than Woerner, and the decision may change week-to-week based on matchup. Unlike the previous offensive coordinator's system, the TE2 will be expected to catch the ball sometimes.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

The source identifies Austin Hooper as competing with Charlie Woerner for the TE2 role alongside Kyle Pitts. Hooper is described as more well-rounded than Woerner, who is the superior blocker. The source suggests the TE2 role may change week-to-week based on matchup, and unlike the previous offensive coordinator's scheme, the TE2 will be expected to catch the ball sometimes.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper is competing with Charlie Woerner for the TE2 role alongside Kyle Pitts. Hooper is characterized as more well-rounded than Woerner, and the source notes the competition may be matchup-dependent. Unlike the previous offensive coordinator's scheme, the TE2 will be expected to catch the ball sometimes.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026The Falcoholic

Competing with Charlie Woerner for the TE2 role alongside Kyle Pitts. Hooper is more well-rounded than Woerner, though Woerner is the superior blocker; the source notes it may change week-to-week based on matchup, and unlike the previous offensive coordinator's scheme, the TE2 will be expected to catch the ball sometimes.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleJul 23, 2026The Falcoholic

Austin Hooper offers real talent but could see his production blunted if the quarterback position isn't effectively settled. His production could be elevated if the Falcons settle the quarterback position effectively.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026Hogs Haven

Austin Hooper was signed as a free agent tight end by the Falcons in 2026, providing depth at the position alongside Kyle Pitts.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveUsageJul 22, 2026The Falcoholic

Austin Hooper had a shining moment in the NFC Championship by winning his individual matchup and making impressive plays after the catch; he notably evaded multiple defenders to convert on a third and seven, showcasing his ability to create separation and move the chains in Kyle Shanahan's diverse offensive scheme.

Insight page Source Original

PositiveRoleJul 16, 2026PlayerProfiler Fantasy Football Podcast Network

Austin Hooper will primarily be a red zone guy in 12 personnel looks as an inline tight end, but won't significantly hurt Kyle Pitts' overall production.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeUsageNo dateYahoo Fantasy Football - Josh & Hayden

Austin Hooper is used as a historical reference for how Drew Petzing's offensive scheme can elevate a tight end to a top-two target on the team, even when not traditionally viewed as a primary receiver.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryNo dateYahoo Sports NFL

Hooper was injured in 2025, forcing the Patriots to use Ben Brown as a blocking tight end replacement in Week 11 against the Jets.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleNo dateYahoo Sports NFL

Hooper was injured in 2025, prompting the Patriots to use Ben Brown as a blocking tight end in Week 11 against the Jets to help replace him.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeInjuryNo dateYahoo Sports NFL

Hooper was injured in 2025, forcing the Patriots to use Ben Brown as a blocking tight end in Week 11 against the Jets to help replace him.

Insight page Source Original

NegativeRoleNo dateYahoo Sports NFL

Austin Hooper offers real talent but could see his production blunted if the quarterback position isn't effectively settled.

Insight page Source Original