Fantasy Football Week 4 Waiver Wire: 3 TEs to Sign While Antonio Gates Is out

Tight end may not be a position that owners use early-round picks on. Still, news is breaking out of San Diego that will have players scrambling for a replacement.

Thursday, September 29 at 1:18 p.m. EDT

NFLfantasy reported Via Twitter that Antonio Gates will be out of action for a long time.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help ease your burden. All of these players are available in nearly half of ESPN leagues.

If you have Gates and didn't draft a backup that you have any trust in, give these guys a second look.

Scott Chandler

Chandler only caught two passes against New England, but one of them was a touchdown. As a matter of fact, Chandler has at least one touchdown in every game that Buffalo has played this year.

He doesn't catch a lot of passes, but red zone threats are by far the most valuable weapons at tight end. It's not likely that Chandler will only catch the ball twice.

He won't replace Gates, but Chandler does a lot to help fantasy owners. The Buffalo offense moves the ball well, and they are playing the Bengals this week.

The opportunities will be there for them to score. Chandler will be on the right end of some good scoring chances.

Jeremy Shockey

I understand a certain amount of doubt with Shockey. He is splitting time with Greg Olsen (also a good signing if he's available) and catching a decent amount of passes. 

His numbers aren't especially great right now, mostly because he hasn't caught a touchdown. But if that happens, Shockey's average day will turn into a very solid day from a tight end.

Cam Newton is still developing. To do that, he is depending heavily on proven veterans. Shockey fits that description.

Todd Heap

Actually, Heap's teammate Jeff King isn't a bad pickup. Do you trust the first two week of the season? If you do, go with King. If you trust Week 3, go with Heap.

I am going with Heap because he is by far a more proven weapon. Kevin Kolb loves tight ends.

Frankly, I really like Heap's chance to have more success. They are playing a team with a depleted defense in the Giants.

That will open up more holes for Heap to catch passes, and possibly find the end zone.