The learning curve for a rookie NFL tight end is a steep one, which prevents many from starting early in their career. But Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams will be the starter for Thursday's game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, though it's by default.
Maxx Williams will have ‘increased role’ on Thursday for Ravens, fantasy owners
The Ravens search for a complementary pass catcher to Steve Smith continues, this time in the form of Maxx Williams. We break down the fantasy implications.
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Crockett Gillmore is nursing a calf injury, which means Williams will be getting an increased role in Week 4's matchup, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Gillmore injured his calf and missed the second half of Week 3's loss against. the Cincinnati Bengals, which left Williams to soak up the snaps. That will continue into Thursday night due to the short week, and the Ravens will look to yet another young starter in hopes that someone on this offense can properly complement veteran wide receiver Steve Smith in the receiving game.
Fantasy impact: Williams caught three passes for 44 yards after Gillmore exited and the Ravens opened up their passing game in an effort to come from behind. The game ended with Williams nearly corralling a diving catch that would have kept the chains moving on fourth-and-long, which surely would have padded his totals to become a hot waiver wire commodity.
Because of the barren options at tight end, Williams is worth a dart throw as a TE2 with the Ravens having to air it out due to poor game scripts. But with the Steelers starting Michael Vick instead of Ben Roethlisberger, expect the Ravens offense to regress toward balanced.
