Alshon Jeffery Injury: Sizzling Hot Receivers to Pick Up in Rookie's Absence

Alshon Jeffery, in just his first pro season, has developed into a solid fantasy option at the flex position. Unfortunately, for Jeffery and his owners, he went down last week with a broken hand, and is expected to miss four to six weeks, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

All is not lost for those depending on Jeffery. Although solid, he's just one in a large group of playable options at receiver. There's plenty more huge outputs to be had by other little-known receivers still swimming in the free agent pool.

Here's who you should grab off the waiver-wire until Jeffery makes his return later this season.

Domenik Hixon

Domenik Hixon has racked up 11 receptions in his last two games, yet is still only owned in less than 17 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.

He's been one of Eli Manning's primary targets with the injury to Hakeem Nicks. He's been a constant red zone target for Manning, and even if Nicks does suit up, it's unlikely he'll be a big enough factor to eliminate Hixon's fantasy value.

ESPN has him projected at 11.5 points, but he could put up even more if Eli Manning throws the ball as much as he did the last time he faced San Francisco. In last year's NFC Championship Game, Manning had 58 pass attempts. Hixon was injured and missed most of last season with an ACL injury.

Andrew Hawkins

In his second season, Andrew Hawkins has 20 receptions through five games, already just three off the 23 receptions he recorded as a rookie for Cincinnati.

He's been growing more and more comfortable with Andy Dalton, who's also settling in as his sophomore year rolls along. This year, Dalton's boosted his QBR almost 20 points and his completion percentage has improved from 58 percent to 66 percent.

Hawkins is small, but incredibly athletic and has the ability to make defenders miss in space. All it takes is one big play to make Hawkins a viable fantasy threat.

James Jones

This season, James Jones has filled in for Greg Jennings, and then some. He's reached the end zone four times in his last two games, and Aaron Rodgers has become increasingly confident when throwing the ball his way.

A tough game against Houston awaits this week, but looking ahead, the Packers have games against Jacksonville and Arizona: Defenses that are prone to the pass.

Even when Jennings does return, Jones has done enough to solidify his spot as a primary option in the Packers offense. He hasn't exceeded five receptions this season, and hasn't gained more than 56 yards since Week 1, but he has five touchdowns on the year. 

It won't be flashy, but you know exactly what you're getting in Jones. If he's still available in your league, lock him up now.

Jeremy Kerley

With injuries to Santonio Holmes and Stephen Hill, Jeremy Kerley has stepped up as the new primary receiver for Mark Sanchez.

Dustin Keller has also missed time with a hamstring injury, eliminating another reliable option for Sanchez. Kerley remains as the most NFL-caliber receiving threat.

Sanchez isn't exactly the most dependable quarterback right now, but Kerley has still managed to rack up consistent points week after week. Against a tough Texans D, he caught five passes for 94 yards. 

Look for Kerley's targets to increase after a good showing against Houston. Sanchez knows his job depends on it.