Julius Thomas' Nagging Ankle Injury Makes Him Risky Fantasy Option in Week 13

Julius Thomas simply isn't healthy heading into the Denver Broncos' Week 13 battle with the Kansas City Chiefs. He's still nursing an ankle injury he suffered in the team's Week 11 loss to St. Louis Rams. Thomas didn't practice on Friday, which usually leads to an absence from the game.

ESPN's Christopher Harris breaks down the predicament for fantasy owners who have Thomas on their squads:

When he's right, Thomas is one of the league's most productive tight ends, but it may be a few weeks—or longer—before he's back at full strength. With that as the case, fantasy owners need to look at other options to fill the void at tight end or the flex position.

One option is Broncos backup tight end Jacob Tamme.

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Last week, Tamme only had one catch for a loss of one yard, so there shouldn't be much of a battle for his services. Despite the weak performance last week, there's reason to believe the 29-year-old will have a more productive day on Sunday.

The Chiefs have allowed seven touchdown passes to tight ends this season. That total includes a one-yard scoring toss to Tamme during the Broncos' 24-17 win in Week 2.

Don't expect Tamme to put up Thomas-like numbers, but a few catches and a short touchdown reception should be enough to keep your squad from falling apart. 

In case you're looking elsewhere for a replacement, the Indianapolis Colts' Coby Fleener is an attractive option. With starting tight end Dwayne Allen again ruled out, per Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star, Fleener is in position to start and produce again.

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Fleener had huge games in Weeks 9 (four receptions for 77 yards and a TD) and 10 (seven receptions for 144 yards) as Allen's replacement, but he fell off a bit last week against the Patriots (two receptions for 28 yards). 

The dip in production could be attributed to the Patriots defense, which has routinely given Colts quarterback Andrew Luck fits in his career. This week, the Colts face Washington, which could possibly be without safety Ryan Clark, per the team's official website.

Fleener could have a nice bounce-back game that could give fantasy owners a much-needed lift.