Dexter McCluster's status for Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers is questionable according to CBS Sports. His status relative to fantasy football rosters should be much clearer, though: Dropped.

The elbow injury McCluster suffered last Sunday is the third strike for the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiver. He's a secondary target on a mediocre passing offense, which made it difficult to start him on a weekly basis.

When McCluster's ugly injury is factored in, there is little reason to keep him on a fantasy roster.

There was some hope that McCluster could emerge as a solid No. 2 receiver on Kansas City's roster.

He had been unremarkable in his first two seasons, gaining just over 500 yards and two touchdowns, combined. But McCluster started off well in 2012. He picked up 82 yards on six catches to open the season against the Atlanta Falcons.

His production dropped to 32 yards in Week 2, and he had just 28 yards when he left with his injury in Week 3. While there is always a chance that he returns and makes a fantasy impact this season, there are better gambles worth considering.

Golden Tate, for example, is owned in just five percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues and is becoming a popular target for rookie Russell Wilson. It is a run-heavy offense, though, making him a difficult weekly start.

Per CBS Sports, McCluster was a limited participant in practice along with Dwayne Bowe on Thursday. McCluster is doing better than expected after the ugly injury on Sunday and it is possible he could still play on Sunday.

Hi-res-152647700_crop_exact Bowe will be the primary passing target in an offense that will revolve around Jamaal Charles.
Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Dwayne Bowe will be limited today because of his thigh. He came out and he tried it yesterday and then after practice he complained about some soreness, so we're going to rest him today a little bit. So we'll put him through individuals and see what that looks like and kind of go from there.

Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs head coach 

If Bowe is sidelined on Sunday and McCluster gets the start, he would be in line for a solid fantasy day.

But owners shouldn't expect much more from him in 2012. They would be best served grabbing a receiver with a higher ceiling before he has a breakout day and is no longer available.

 

Darin Pike is a writer for Bleacher Report's Breaking News Team and a Featured Columnist covering the NFL and Seattle Seahawks.