Uncertainty is a killer in fantasy football. What is even worse are false reports. The initial prognosis for New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was positive following a sprained shoulder suffered in the team's Week 5 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, it now seems that the injury could be serious enough to affect the star pass catcher's availability after the Saints return from their Week 6 bye.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that Graham could be looking at a potential multi-week absence.
"The early word was that it was a minor injury. Instead, I'm told Jimmy Graham is expected to miss a few weeks after the bye - likely two or three," Rapoport said on 'NFL Gameday First.'
New Orleans will play the Detroit Lions next week on the road and then host the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. They then will travel to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
Graham currently ranks sixth at the tight end position with 51 fantasy points in standard scoring leagues. Losing him is a big blow to both the Saints and to fantasy owners who count on an advantage in the tight end duel from week-to-week.
Some free agent replacements to consider are New England Patriots tight end Tim Wright, who has caught touchdowns in each of his last two games, and Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller who is averaging nearly six targets a game.
Saints backup Benjamin Watson will most likely get the starting nod should Graham miss time. Watson has just nine receptions for 64 yards this season.
