What Does Dexter McCluster Injury Mean for Fantasy Football Owners, Chiefs?

In a gruesome twist of fate, Dexter McCluster is likely out of commission for a while. His elbow took a turn for the worst as it bent in an inhumane fashion.

The impact of McCluster's absence will affect the team, the personnel and your fantasy squad. Check out how below. 

The Kansas City Chiefs Can Pack It In

McCluster had developed into one of the Chiefs' more reliable playmakers. On a team that went into Week 3 still looking for a win after two blowouts, the loss of McCluster means the Chiefs can start scouting Matt Cassel replacements.

In short, they'll be drafting high enough to grab one of the higher-rated quarterbacks.

Kansas City entered this season with plenty of reason for optimism. They were returning three primary players back to a team that had won the AFC West in 2010. While not many KC fans were still holding a flame for 2012, those hopes are effectively extinguished.

We'll See if Jonathan Baldwin is a NFL Player

Scott Pioli grabbed Baldwin in the first round of the 2011 NFL draft with dreams of pairing him with Dwayne Bowe. The two-headed monster would be able to out-jump and outmuscle any secondary in the league.

Through a year and change, that has yet to happen. Baldwin never caught on his rookie year and ended the seasons with just 21 receptions. 

Now that McCluster has been removed from the depth chart, Baldwin will be on the field and will surely garner a few of McCluster's 19 targets. He'll have to prove that he is worthy of a roster spot going forward.

Fantasy Football Implications

The Chiefs didn't have many players worth starting for fantasy football purposes. Now, you can rest assured that Jamaal Charles will see an even larger workload, and Cassel is going to struggle to put up points.

If you need a wide receiver, grabbing Baldwin is not a great option. He isn't the same type of player as McCluster, so Baldwin won't be able to do the same things. Therefore, his impact will not be the same as the injured Chief. 

Take a wait-and-see approach with picking up another Kansas City player.