Terrance Williams likely to start if Miles Austin is out; possible fantasy sleeper
Williams, not Dwayne Harris, appears to be the guy behind Austin. We break down the fantasy implications.
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
If wide receiver Miles Austin is unable to play Sunday for the Dallas Cowboys against the San Diego Chargers while he deals with his hamstring injury, Terrance Williams will be the likely starter. Dwayne Harris should also see a spike in playing time, but Williams appears to be the guy.
Austin will miss practice Thursday, dealing (once again) with a hamstring issue, suffered this time in Sunday's game against the St. Louis Rams. If he misses Sunday's game, Williams will be in line for the No. 2 receiver touches behind No. 1 Dez Bryant. Williams, a rookie third-round pick out of Baylor, has five receptions on seven targets for 60 yards so far this year.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy owners have to be used to not knowing what to expect out of Miles Austin by this point, as hamstring issues have dogged him throughout his career. Williams, if Austin misses the game, could be a sneaky play in deeper leagues, as the San Diego defense has been poor so far this year, and Williams might be able to run around.
Bryant and Jason Witten, of course, are the bigger names who could see a difference, though no one who owns them would be benching them, Austin or no Austin.
The thing for fantasy owners to remember, then, is that the Cowboys-Chargers game Sunday is a 4:30 ET start, and Austin might well be a game-time decision. Austin owners who have a decent alternative in early games might want to go that route; those without that option ought to pick up Williams in case Austin does miss.
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