New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham returned to practice this week despite suffering a sprained shoulder versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5, but his availability remains unknown.
Fantasy Football start/sit advice Week 7: Jimmy Graham
There’s no guarantee that Jimmy Graham plays on Sunday, but if he does so at a limited basis, is he still worth a start? We break down the fantasy implications.
Chris Graythen
Graham collided with Bucs linebacker Lavonte David and returned for just a few snaps afterward. With the benefit of the Week 6 bye, Graham was able to log some practice time, but appears to be a game-time decision.
Fantasy Spin: Barring a dramatic turnaround, it's likely that if Graham plays he will do so at a limited basis, perhaps coming in only for red-zone and third-down opportunities. There's one problem with that: the Detroit Lions defense ranks first in total defense and passing defense, and it's getting harder to say that's a fluke with each passing week.
The other concern fantasy owners have is that Saints quarterback Drew Brees and company underperform on the road. It's been true in the past, but in 2014, Brees' splits have been nearly identical. Brees has still been underwhelming this season by his lofty standards, but there's enough potency in this offense and in a fraction of Graham's capacity to put up fantasy points.
He’ll be boom or bust, but given the dearth of other tight end options, Graham’s a player who must be in lineups if he plays.
