The New England Patriots are thin at wide receiver heading into Week 1. Really thin. The situation only got worse on Saturday when the team announced that Brandon LaFell would be placed on the reserve/PUP list. LaFell is dealing with an undisclosed foot injury that will now keep him from being eligible to play until Week 8.
Brandon LaFell placed on reserve/PUP list, Patriots WR can be dropped by fantasy owners for now
Brandon LaFell was placed on the reserve/PUP list on Saturday. We take a look at the fantasy implications.
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The Patriots released Reggie Wayne on Saturday, leaving Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman as the team's starting wide receivers. There's also concern that Edelman may miss Week 1 due to an ankle injury he's been nursing since August. However, all unofficial reports lean toward Edelman being ready in time for the regular season. Aaron Dobson figures to play a role as well. Dobson was believed to be hovering on the roster bubble before injuries and departures plagued the team.
Fantasy impact: LaFell may have been the team's most reliable deep threat, which isn't saying much. Still, Tom Brady has maintained a couple veterans he relies on in Edelman and Amendola. It's possible the team will look to sign another receiver over the next few weeks, but it's unlikely that any newcomer will be able to adjust to Brady and the team's expectations enough to warrant fantasy consideration. LaFell was always more of a stash option in fantasy leagues. If anything, Amendola gets a slight bump up the rankings for the next few months. LaFell is worth a waiver grab as we enter October.
