AJ Barner's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner looks like he may be filling in for Noah Fant (groin) once again in Week 11. Fant has been ruled out for Week 11. The Seahawks travel to San Francisco to play the 49ers in a game in which they project to pass quite a bit. Barner received seven targets in a starting role with Fant out in Week 9. While he was inefficient with his targets, he could see similar volume this week. The 49ers will likely focus their defensive efforts on stopping the likes of DK Metcalf (knee), Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. That could leave receiving lanes open for Barner. The rookie was primarily a blocker before Fant's injury. However, he has displayed an ability to get open, and solid athleticism in the open field. With the tight end position performing so poorly for fantasy in 2024, Barner is a potential option as a plug-in for injured players or players on a bye.

With Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) out in Week 9 against the Los Angeles Rams, rookie tight end AJ Barner is in position to take on the starting tight end role. Barner was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2024. He has caught all ten of his targets this season for 105 yards and a touchdown. While Barner will likely see a boost in targets with Fant and wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) out, he does not project to be relevant for fantasy. It is worth noting that Barner does have decent big-play ability. In Week 8 Barner caught two passes at 17 yards per catch. It is hard to believe that there would not be more reliable or proven assets on your waiver wire. However, if you are in a very deep league, Barner will at least be a starter in Week 9.

Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end AJ Barner (hamstring) returned to organized team activities on Monday after sitting out of rookie minicamp and OTAs at the end of May with a hamstring injury. It's great news for the fourth-rounder, who can now start to get valuable on-field repetitions as he looks to learn a new offense and get up to speed before training camp starts at the end of July. The 22-year-old figures to be off the redraft fantasy radar in 2024 and should serve as depth at the position in Seattle behind Noah Fant and Pharaoh Brown. Barner is unlikely to play a significant role in his first year in the NFL and was seen on draft day as more of a project heading to the next level. He has an immense wing span and stands at 6-foot-6, but he accumulated only 610 yards and five touchdowns in 40 collegiate games at Indiana and Michigan.