Percy Harvin: Remaining Fantasy Football Outlook for Ailing Vikings WR

Percy Harvin has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s Week 10 matchup against the Detroit Lions, according to Adam Schefter (via Twitter) on Friday afternoon.

"

OUT: Darren Sproles, Darren McFadden, Mike Goodson. QUEST: Ahmad Bradshaw, Stevie Johnson, Owen Daniels. DOUBTFUL: Percy Harvin.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2012"

Harvin wasn’t expected to be able to play this weekend after being seen limping very gingerly in the locker room throughout the week.

An ankle injury, especially a serious sprain like Harvin’s, could linger and may keep him slowed for some time. Assuming he misses Week 10, the Vikings’ wide receiver could be in line to come back before the team’s next game in Week 12.

So there’s two weeks you’ll be without your star wide receiver, at least.

If he can recover after the team’s Week 11 bye, the multi-talented Harvin will continue to be a top fantasy play throughout the rest of the 2012 season.

Take a look at a couple interesting stats that demonstrate the type of season Harvin’s having.

According to Pro Football Focus (via Twitter), Harvin is third in the NFL in yards per route ran with 2.59 per route. He trails only Brandon Marshall (2.94) of the Chicago Bears and Vincent Jackson (2.65) of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Vikings’ standout wide receiver has caught a pass in every NFL game he’s played in.

Harvin is the fifth-leading wide receiver in ESPN standard scoring formats with an average of 11 points per game. In leagues that take into account return yardage, Harvin is by far the best option because of his multi-faceted game. He’s also a threat to rack up yards in the running game.

Christian Ponder and the Vikings’ passing attack have struggled mightily as of late. In Weeks 7 and 9 Ponder failed to throw for over 100 yards. Harvin still produced in a fantasy aspect.

Those struggles, though, will somewhat affect Harvin’s production once he returns to the field as the team gets into the meat of its NFC North schedule. Minnesota has two games each against Chicago and Green Bay down the stretch.

But don’t let that deter you from sticking with your star wide receiver.

He’s got enough talent to turn any play into a score due to his blazing speed, great hands and field vision that allows him to navigate through defenses and special teams schemes.

While he’s definitely worth holding onto, see if you can make a trade, as many people will likely be thinking the same positive things I’ve told you. He’s an electric and key player but he’s playing in an offense that’s centered around Adrian Peterson.

If you can get a RB1 or WR1 in exchange for Harvin, it may be time to pull the trigger due to fears of a lingering ankle issue, struggles in the Minnesota passing game and a tough schedule down the stretch for the Vikings.

Mike Hoag Jr. is a Breaking News Team writer and NFL featured columnist for Bleacher Report.

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