Jimmy Graham's Injury Will Have Minimal Impact on His Week 7 Fantasy Output

This isn't the first time in 2014 that a star player has been pegged as a must-start in fantasy if he's active regardless of a lingering injury, and it certainly won't be the last. But among the players you absolutely have to start if they're available, Jimmy Graham tops the list. 

The New Orleans Saints tight end started 2014 like fantasy owners expected, catching 18 passes for 200 yards and two scores through his first two games. But after leaving early in Week 5 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an undisclosed shoulder injury, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported after the Week 6 bye that Graham could still "miss 2-3 weeks," casting a huge shadow over his immediate fantasy stock.

Time to sound the alarm for Graham fantasy owners? Maybe not. Graham told reporters, via the team's official site, that he was a game-time decision for Sunday against the Detroit Lions. 

"I think [head coach] Sean [Payton] might try to see how I'm doing on Sunday and maybe work me out before the game to see where I'm at, but as of right now I don't know. ... Sean [Payton] said he's going to test it and see where I'm at, so if I can, I can; if I can't, I can't."

Payton also scoffed at the thought that Graham was missing multiple games, adding his optimism for him playing in Week 7, per NFL Network's Albert Breer:

Obviously, slotting Graham as your definite starter wouldn't be wise considering he might not suit up at all. But when the actives and inactives are announced, don't make the mistake of leaving Graham on your bench if he is in fact playing. 

The Saints have weapons around Drew Brees to move the ball down the field, but their reliance on Graham in the red zone is without question. He caught 16 of the team's 39 touchdown passes a year ago, and New Orleans' need of him will have Payton doing everything he can to include Graham, even if it's solely in the red zone.

Bill Haber/Associated Press

And it's not like this is his first go-around in this type of situation. Mike Triplett of ESPN recalls a similar situation in 2013, also adding that the injury appears not to be serious:

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But it's worth noting that Graham played a limited role with 18 snaps under similar circumstances last year when he was rehabbing from a plantar fasciitis injury -- and he wound up catching two touchdown passes. The Saints could potentially have a similar red zone-specific role for him this week.

The best news for the Saints is that Graham's involvement Thursday seems to confirm that his recovery time will be more short-term than long-term.

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It's not an ideal matchup for Drew Brees' passing offense, going up against a Lions secondary that tops the NFL with just 197 pass yards given up per game. That should make the urgency even higher to get the talented pass-catcher back to action.

Plus, despite Detroit's resurgence on defense, it hasn't fared well against opposing tight ends. Larry Donnell had 56 yards and a touchdown against the Lions, Greg Olsen racked up 72 yards, and Andrew Quarless had 43 yards and a score. Tight ends ranked in the top two in opposing receivers in each of their first four games. 

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

There's no doubt that Graham's fantasy owners should have a backup plan on the bench, but that realization should have come weeks ago. This injury occurred in Week 5, and owners needed a replacement anyway with the Saints having a Week 6 bye. 

Hopefully, fantasy owners are in good shape should Graham not be able to go. Also, it's an early Sunday kickoff for the Saints, so owners will have time to fill in spots at the last minute if Graham doesn't play. 

But if he does, it would be foolish to bench him—fully healthy or not—given his resume.