San Diego Chargers tight end Ladarius Green had the best game of his rookie season on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, with four receptions (on five targets) for 81 yards as he nearly matched the production of veteran Antonio Gates (four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown on six targets).
As long as Gates stays healthy Green is not a viable option over the rest of this season in the vast majority of fantasy football leagues, but should dynasty league owners have him on their radar?
Green has flashed big play potential even in a limited role this season, averaging 20.8 yards per catch on his 11 receptions thus far, and he proved he deserves more playing time with his performance on Sunday even though Gates has been healthy and productive (56 receptions) to this point.
A changing of the guard at tight end may come slowly for the Chargers, since Gates is under contract through 2015. But with a significant recent injury history prior to this season, and advancing age (33), his status may be up in the air as soon as next offseason if the team wants to undertake a youth movement and considers trading or releasing him if a significant salary cap hit can be avoided.
It would take an injury to Gates, and multiple missed games by the future Hall of Famer, for Green to make a notable fantasy impact down the stretch this season. But he could be added via the waiver wire in deep dynasty leagues right now, particularly for owners who are starting to look toward 2014 due to an especially good or bad season this year.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
