Jermichael Finley Injured: Five Waiver Wire Replacements for Big-Time Tight End

With the news that breakout star tight end Jermichael Finley will be sidelined three to six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee, owners are scrambling to find suitable replacements for the big time points that Finley provides.

Finley should not be dropped in any league unless absolutely desperate, as he has the skill set to make a big impact on fantasy playoffs upon his return. 

Here are five replacements for No. 88 that should be floating on the waiver wire in the majority of standard leagues.

1. Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati Bengals

Gresham is a big target over the middle, and that's exactly what struggling QB Carson Palmer needs to get back on track. With teams looking to shut out the Bengals' slapstick receiving corps, Gresham is going to have to be integral in the offense if the team hopes to have any shot of remaining competitive.

Owners should expect a few bumps and bruises along the way since it is Gresham's rookie season. His role will only grow as the season progresses forward. He has a bye in Week 6, so although he isn't an option for next week, he is a good scoop from that point forward.

2. Tony Moeaki, Kansas City Chiefs

Sticking with the rookies at the position, Moeaki has established himself as one of Matt Cassel's favorite targets early this season. With WR Dwayne Bowe struggling to get on the same page as his quarterback, Moeaki has gotten increased looks that have quickly translated into results.

The next four weeks look very good for Moeaki's potential to produce, as the Chiefs take on the Texans, Jags, Bills, and Raiders. He's going to be a hot name on the wire this week, so make sure you make him priority number one.

3. Benjamin Watson, Cleveland Browns

It's a bit discouraging that Seneca Wallace came out of Sunday's tilt with a high ankle sprain, because Watson was really beginning to excel with his new QB. However, Watson's value should remain on the rise, as whoever starts under center for Cleveland this week (Colt McCoy, Jeff Garcia?) will certainly be looking his way often.

A bit of a safety valve, Watson should see plenty of work on underneath drag routes and short dumpoff passes as the Browns will be conservative with the passing game. Owners could certainly do a lot worse.

4. Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens

It's too bad Heap can't produce like he did in Week 1 on a consistent basis, because he'd be a lot more valuable. As it is, Heap's role has seemed to shrink in the passing game as the weeks have moved forward, but owners shouldn't give up all hope on the former fantasy favorite.

Over the next two weeks, the Ravens will take on a very suspect Patriots defense as well as an equally unimpressive Buffalo unit. While Heap may never establish himself as Joe Flacco's go-to guy with all of the weapons around him, his chances of finding the end zone will be as high as ever.

5. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

Despite Gronkowski being drafted a round earlier than teammate and fellow TE Aaron Hernandez, it's clear that the big man has fallen behind his teammate in the passing attack. 

However, this could actually wind up being good for Gronkowski's value, as he's sure to be overlooked in most standard leagues. With Randy Moss being shipped to the Vikings earlier this week, look for the Patriots to use more two tight end sets and Gronk to be on the field more often. 

He's a very good red zone target for Tom Brady and will likely be used as such from here on out.