Sep 8, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs after a catch as Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin (21) pursues during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into their week 4 Sunday Night Football clash, the New England Patriots could be getting some of their weapons back for Tom Brady.
Brady has struggled at times during the first few weeks of the season, but he should get a huge fantasy boost if his receiving corps gets back healthy. He’s developed a decent rapport with Kenbrell Thompkins, Aaron Dobson, and Julian Edelman which will only help him have more options when the more experienced players return.
Jul 30, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski signs autographs for fans during training camp at the practice fields of Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
The first possible return is probably the biggest-Rob Gronkowski. Gronk is a top tight end option and one of Brady’s favorite targets. He’s a fantasy monster who owners can’t wait to get back in the lineup. He is listed as questionable this week with concerns lingering about his arm as well as his back. He had multiple surgeries in the offseason, but the Patriots are tentatively expecting him to return this week. Bill Belichick is well-known for being secretive with his team’s injury issues, and he hasn’t shown his hand for this weekend yet with Gronk.
The other possible return is possibly even more unexpected as Danny Amendola has been upgraded to questionable as well after participating in limited practices this week. Amendola was a huge part of the Patriots week 1 win over the Bills, but he’s been sidelined by a groin issue ever since. Amendola seems less likely than Gronk to return, but both could be active Sunday Night.
The hard part for fantasy football owners is the timing of the game. Most roster spots will be locked in place before Sunday Night unless you have alternatives in this game or on Monday Night Football. If you can wait, both of them make good starts if they’re active, but it’s a big risk to chance a zero if they don’t play. If there is no further news, I would try to keep them on the bench this week rather than risk it.
Keep an eye on the reports today and early tomorrow to see if Amendola and Gronk make the trip to Atlanta, but consider your other options if we don’t know anything more by kickoff of the Sunday afternoon options.