Pierre Garcon: Fantasy Expectations for Redskins WR Going Forward

Pierre Garcon made his return to the gridiron this past Sunday after missing Weeks 2 and 3 with an injured right foot.

The Washington Redskins No. 1 wide receiver didn’t contribute much statistically in the passing game, but still managed to make a big impact and score. He finished the day with one reception for 20 yards, but also recovered a Robert Griffin III fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

Mike Jones of The Washington Post caught up with Garcon after the game, who had this to say about his first game back:

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“I wasn’t 100 percent, but I was out there doing the best I can to help the team, and I did everything I could.”

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Washington won a 24-22 thriller against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so the wideout’s recovery was instrumental in its victory. It also helped fantasy owners who had the courage to start him in Week 4, despite not having played since the first quarter of the season-opener.

In the future, much more can be expected from the former Indianapolis Colts star. RGIII should get more comfortable with his top option as he gets healthier and is able to create more separation. Garcon only had one target on Sunday, but that number should significantly increase.

Leonard Hankerson was clearly Griffin’s favorite receiver to lock in on, as he wound up with 11 targets on the day. Those looks should dip as Garcon begins to faze him out and coach Mike Shanahan feels that his prized offseason acquisition is ready to be more involved.

The Redskins take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 5, and there should be a steady ramp up in Garcon’s production in that contest. The Falcons clearly struggle against mobile QBs, as they allowed Cam Newton to run and throw all over them this past week.

RGIII, a more polished passer than the Carolina Panthers signal-caller, should be able to shred that defense with his feet and find open receivers—such as Garcon—with his arm.

While it is worth it to put a close monitor on Garcon’s health and status, he should be considered a high-end No. 2 receiver option for the remainder of the season and a worthwhile start almost every week in fantasy.