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Aaron Hernandez Injury: Who Can Replace Tight End on Your Fantasy Team?

By (Correspondent) on September 20, 2011

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 18:  Tightend Aaron Hernandez #81 of the New England Patriots warms up just prior to the start of the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 18, 2011 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by J. Meric/Get
J. Meric/Getty Images

Aaron Hernandez suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday's win over the San Diego Chargers. Initial reports said he would miss one to two weeks, but now there is some talk that the injury could cost him upwards of four to six weeks. 

While the New England Patriots should be fine in his absence as they have Rob Gronkowski, but the same can't be said about your fantasy team. 

Luckily, the tight end position is extremely deep this year. No matter how deep your league is, there should be a serviceable tight end on the waiver wire for you to pick up. 

Here are four tight ends for you to replace Hernandez with while he recovers. 

Fred Davis

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 11:   Fred Davis #83 of the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 11, 2011 in Landover, Maryland.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

If Fred Davis is still available in your league, stop what your doing and pick him up now. 

Davis showed his 100-yard Week 1 performance was no fluke, following it up with 86 yards and a touchdown on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals.

Chris Cooley is still around, but it is clear that he has passed Cooley on the depth chart. He played 20 more snaps than Cooley in Week 1 and Cooley received only two targets to Davis' seven in Week 2. 

Davis is a top-10 fantasy tight end going forward, and he still might be available in your league. 

Ed Dickson

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 11:  Ed Dickson #84 of the Baltimore Ravens catches a pass in front of  Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers  during the season opener at M&T Bank Stadium on September 11, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The play was call
Rob Carr/Getty Images

Consider picking up Ed Dickson if you are in a deeper league. After showing a lot of promise in Week 1, Dickson didn't have a great showing in Week 2. Then again, neither did anyone in the Baltimore Ravens passing game. 

While his stats weren't great in Week 2 (two receptions, 25 yards), he remained one of Joe Flacco's top options. He finished with six targets, second on the team next to Anquan Boldin's seven. 

Dickson should put up decent numbers this season, and he showed in Week 1 he is capable of having a big game every now and then. 

Greg Olsen

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 18:  Tight end Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the Green Bay Packers on September 18, 2011 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

With Cam Newton setting all types of rookie passing records, the beneficiaries are the fantasy value's of the rest of the Carolina Panthers, including tight end Greg Olsen. Through two games, Olsen has 112 yards receiving.  

The one thing hampering Olsen's fantasy value though is Jeremy Shockey. The Panthers are using a lot of two-tight end sets with the both of them and seem to use them interchangeably. In fact, Shockey had more targets, catches and yards than Olsen in Week 2. 

While Olsen remains a decent fantasy option, his upside is limited for now. However, if Shockey were to get injured, which he has a habit of doing, Olsen could be a fantasy gem. 

Scott Chandler

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 18:  Scott Chandler #84 of the Buffalo Bills scores Buffalo's fourth touchdown on a catch against Tyvon Branch #33 of the Oakland Raiders at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 18, 2011 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo won 38-
Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Ryan Fitzpatrick has been a stud in the first two weeks leading the Buffalo Bills to a 2-0 start and torching opposing defenses. One of his favorite targets has been tight end Scott Chandler. 

Chandler is a better option in touchdown heavy leagues. He won't catch a lot of passes or rack up a lot of yards, but he will be a factor in the red zone. Chandler already has three touchdowns in the first two games of the season and looks like Ryan Fitzpatrick's favorite target near the goal line. 

While Chandler probably won't win you your matchup, he can keep you competitive and is a fine fill in. 

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