2013 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver/Tight End Early Week Injury Woes

Wes Welker

Kelly L. Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier I detailed a few notable injuries to running backs after week 11. You can read that right here. While running backs are certainly still a big part of the game, it is clear fantasy football is more likely to be won or lost based on the play of your pass catchers. With the way football has turned into a passing league, the wide receivers (and tight ends on a smaller scale) simply have a better chance to have a big yardage day than the running backs. With that in mind, here is a look in on a few wide receivers and tight ends who suffered injuries during week 11.

Perhaps the biggest name amongst pass catchers to feel the bite of the injury bug this week is Wes Welker. Welker left the Sunday night game with what was thought at the time to be a concussion. That fear was later confirmed. Welker will have to pass through the concussion protocol, and everyone reacts to this type of thing differently. Owners need to have a backup ready.

Keenan Allen left the game with a knee injury, causing him to miss the final few drives. News as of today indicates that Allen is dealing with a hyperextension of the right knee. Head coach Mike McCoy has already stated that Allen will play next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Tony Gonzalez did not practice today and due to the short week (the Atlanta Falcons host the New Orleans Saints Thursday), owners should have a backup ready to go in case Gonzalez can’t shake his toe injury. Due to the lack of depth at the position, owners should only sit Gonzalez if they have another TE1 on their roster. The Saints have allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends.

Julius Thomas suffered a right knee injury, but was able to play through it. Next week the Denver Broncos travel to take on the New England Patriots who are allowing the 10th fewest points per game to tight ends. Owners should have a backup ready to go, although like Gonzalez, it will be hard for owners to sit Thomas unless they have another top tier tight end on the roster.

As always, I welcome your comments. If you think I’m wrong, I’m willing to listen. Just back it up with some facts and solid evidence. Thanks for reading and good luck this season.

Dustin Manko is an author at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DustinManko, ”Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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