Tony Scheffler unlikely to play Sunday, could boost Joseph Fauria’s fantasy value
The tight end has been battling a concussion, which could give more time to the team’s goal-line pass-catcher. We break down the fantasy implications.
Leon Halip
Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler missed practice Thursday as he deals with a concussion, according to Detroit Free Press writer Dave Birkett. If Scheffler misses Sunday's game, the team's other tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew and Joseph Fauria, could both see value boosts.
Through five games this season, Scheffler has caught only seven passes for 82 yards. He is behind Pettigrew (16 catches for 151 yards) on the team’s depth chart, and the rookie Fauria (four catches for 32 yards and two scores) has, at 6’7”, been getting the goal-line tight end looks.
Fantasy impact: Between Scheffler likely missing the game and wide receiver Calvin Johnson’s continued injury problems, it is possible that Pettigrew will get more short targets, which could boost his numbers a bit. Either way, Pettigrew isn’t much of a fantasy option unless an owner is desperate.
Fauria, meanwhile, has been held to 52 snaps through five games. But, if Scheffler misses the game, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan said Fauria’s role will increase, according to Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman. He’s not much of an option right now except in the deepest of leagues, but his obvious goal-line value could make him a sneaky play.
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