Fantasy Football Week 4 Start Or Sit: QB Jake Locker

Jake Locker Titans

Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

After a strong performance Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Jake Locker looked like a potential breakout fantasy player for 2014. He then put up two clunkers in a row against the Dallas Cowboys and Cincinnati Bengals, causing many people to change their tune. Now facing yet another injury, this time to his wrist, Locker is in danger of missing the Tennessee Titans‘ Week 4 game as they will visit the Indianapolis Colts. With poor play and an injury clouding if Locker will even take the field, he can safely be passed over in fantasy leagues this week.

Against the Chiefs Week 1, Locker looked like the efficient quarterback he flashed the ability to be in the preseason. He did not turn the ball over and completed 66.7 percent of his passes with two touchdown passes. The Titans looked to be a team on the rise as Locker’s play was one of the last question marks for the team. Alas, it did not last as Locker crashed back to earth the next two weeks.

Against the Cowboys and Bengals, Locker completed only 51.5 percent of his passes with four interceptions and only one touchdown as his efficiency went out the window.

It is not for a lack of weapons that Locker doesn’t produce, as the Titans post an impressive pass catching group of Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter, Nate Washington and Delanie Walker. They are just unable to make any plays as Locker’s inaccuracy and erratic play has once again reared its ugly head.

Locker’s physical tools always make him an intriguing addition in fantasy, as he looks to be a more capable runner than thrower of the football, giving him some points from the rushing yards he accumulates. But with injury concerns lingering this week against the Colts, there is no intrigue for Locker in Week 4.

For a player who has been struggling the past two weeks, adding in a wrist injury will not do him any good. Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt noted after practice Thursday that Locker is progressing, keeping open the possibility that the QB will be able to suit up on Sunday.

Even if Locker is cleared to play, he will struggle once again as the Titans will have a tough time keeping up with the explosive offense of the Colts. With bye weeks starting Week 4 and causing some problems for owners, Locker looked like a player who could be used as a streamer throughout the season. But that is no longer the case; Locker should be left out of starting lineups this week, and he is looking more and more like a player to be left on the waiver wire.

Kenneth Teape is a New York Giants writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @teapester725 or join his Google network


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