Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Update: Harry Douglas Tears ACL

If you were buying all that hype about Tony Gonzalez coming to Atlanta to primarily block you can forget about it now.

It's not like Harry Douglas was a super stud that was going to steal 50+ catches from anyone, but with his 2009 season kissed good-bye, combined with Roddy White's contract hold-out, looks just got a lot easier to come by in Atlanta.

Douglas, a former 2008 third rounder, had shown promising skills and ability as a slot receiver, as he grabbed 23 receptions last year, and was reportedly having a quality training camp.

His fantasy value and NFL stock came to a crashing halt on Wednesday, however, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the injury, which will effectively end the receiver's season.

While this may be bad news for the Falcons in the interim, it will probably end up being terrific news for Roddy White's bank account, Tony Gonzalez's time on the field as a receiver, and could mean more action for Michael Jenkins and former fourth receiver, Brian Finneran.

Oddly enough, the least notable of the four players could be the most interesting fantasy option down the line.

With Douglas's absence (and possibly White's), Finneran, a fan and front office favorite, could climb into a comfortable spot as a reliable fourth overall receiving option, and could do some damage on the outside as a third receiver.

He could even arguably work the slot, but his lack of great quickness may hinder his value in that position.

However, even if Finneran's 2009 stats don't take a huge climb, his size and decent speed may take targets away from other stud players, such as Gonzalez.

But these are merely "hypotheticals."

The truth is, knee injuries aside, Finneran has the ability to be a solid fantasy option, judging by his 838 yards in 2002, and his two seasons of 50+ catches.

Reports have Finneran looking sharp after being a full year removed from knee surgery, and the 33-year old could vie for his most targets since 2005.

After having consecutive training camps (and seasons) robbed from him with torn knee ligaments, Finneran could be gearing up for one last "hurrah" in a career that was ripped away from him before it was ever truly allowed to take off.

Some may tell you that Finneran isn't even a lock to make the Falcons team, or that of all the players positively affected by Houglas's injury, he'd be the last to look at it.

However, his status as the third best receiver on the team, as well as February's restructured contract suggest he still has a shot at returning to fantasy relevance.

Regardless of what happens with Finneran, it's notable that the Douglas injury opens the door for anywhere between 25-40 extra looks, and anywhere between 20-30 receptions.

Monitor Roddy White's contract situation and keep tabs on the Atlanta receivers throughout the pre-season to accurately gauge their value.

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