Jimmy Graham: 5 Fantasy Football Alternatives to Injured Saints TE

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Since Jimmy Graham rolled his ankle in the early October victory over the San Diego Chargers, head coaches in both reality and fantasy have been scrambling to resolve his impending absence.

The New Orleans tight end is generally regarded as one of the most talented amongst his trade and will undoubtedly prove to be a missed asset for the Saints and a sore outlet for Drew Brees to miss out on.

However, onwards and upwards is always the mentality with injuries such as these and fantasy users who own Graham must now look for a replacement.

With that in mind, let’s look into which tight ends coaches can turn to on waivers and as free agents in order to ease their fantasy woes in Graham’s time of trouble.

Heath Miller

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

While the Steelers have already played their Week 6 fixture against the Tennessee Titans, Heath Miller’s performance so far this season make him a worthy recruit if you can still find him on waivers.

Despite the fact that Miller has now gone two games without a touchdown, the 29-year-old remains a favorite target of Ben Roethlisberger’s and receives a decent amount.

Against Tennessee, Miller had six receptions for 67 yards and it seems like only a matter of time until he scores again, having already notched four TDs this season.

The Steelers’ Week 7 encounter with the Cincinnati Bengals looks like it will be a tighter clash than some may have expected at the start of the season, but is one that Miller can thrive in against an average pass defense.

Scott Chandler

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Given his performance so far this season, it’s a shock that so many NFL fantasy users have still failed to recruit Scott Chandler.

Though he has only recorded 215 reception yards, Chandler’s tally of four touchdowns speaks volumes of his efficiency and makes him a steal in free agency.

Although he is far from being as explosive as Graham, Chandler is still an astute finisher, as he has been able to make use of what few chances his team has had in the red zone.

Games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans in Weeks 6 and 7, respectively, promise to yield lots of points for the Buffalo Bills' tight end.

Owen Daniels

Al Bello/Getty Images

After catching four TDs in the entire 2011 season, Owen Daniels is already on target to obliterate his previous tally having caught three scores already this campaign.

The Houston Texans have utilized their tight end extensively, and Daniels has repaid that faith with 311 receiving yards, making him possibly the strongest underdog tight end in the nation at the moment.

With a bye in Week 8, the 29-year-old will want to make use of his current momentum by scoring big against the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens in coming weeks, both of whom have looked vulnerable to the pass at times this season.

Kyle Rudolph

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Possibly the easiest of this bunch to find in free agency, Kyle Rudolph may not have inspired too many heading into his second season in the NFL after catching 26 passes for 249 yards in the 2011 campaign.

Christian Ponder has been looking to Rudolph as his No. 2 receiver behind Percy Harvin for stretches this season, and the 22-year-old has proven to be economical in his attack, catching four TDs off just 169 receiving yards.

Despite his age, Rudolph is 6’6” and 259 pounds, making him an absolute monster, even amongst TEs.

In order to become more than just a simple rushing team, the Vikings need to keep exploring their passing game, which Rudolph should be a big part of.

Brent Celek

Celek Leapfrog

An athletically-gifted specimen, Brent Celek is another mystery in some fantasy leagues. He is available in free agency for many regardless of some very encouraging displays this season.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a bye coming up in Week 7, meaning you’ll have to place faith in Celek’s surrounding fixtures to ascertain whether or not he’s worthy of the sacrifice.

However, if it’s the physical aspect you’re worried about, don’t be—just look to the video above.