Fantasy football: Impact of Julius Thomas missing practice

November 17, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) is looked at by medical staff after an injury during the third quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

As the Denver Broncos watch their breakout tight end in Julius Thomas lay on the ground while grasping his knee in pain this past Sunday, the team began to fear they’d once again lost Thomas to an injury. He would not return to the contest as the Broncos held on for a crucial 27-17 win over the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs. But after the game, it was revealed that it was just a minor knee sprain Thomas endured, and he should be ready to go this week vs the New England Patriots.

But there is some doubt he could miss the game after he was unable to practice on Thursday, and could be risky play this week in fantasy football:

Prior to the team’s Week 9 bye week, Thomas went down with an injury in the game against the Washington Redskins, and it appeared as though it might be enough to sideline him for at least one game. That same ankle has plagued him throughout his three-year NFL Career, and t looked as though it would halt his breakout season with the Broncos.

It is a bit concerning that’s two of the past three games in which Thomas has left the game with what appeared to be s serious injury, but as it stands, he’ll likely be able to play this week against the New England Patriots.

If he does play, he’s going against a defense that ranks 24th in points allowed to opposing tight ends over the past five weeks (courtesy of fftoday). Thomas is likely you’re No. 1 TE on your team, and unless you have Jordan Reed, Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski or Vernon Davis, start Thomas this week.

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