Aaron Hernandez Injury: What Fantasy Owners Should Expect from Patriots TE

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez will be active today against the New York Jets, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect too much from the second-year man out of Florida.

Hernandez is recovering from a left MCL sprain, which is typically an injury that takes four-to-six weeks to heal. The Patriots have let their tight end return after missing just two games.

While Hernandez is a stud and should be a fantasy gold mine for owners in the future, this week is not the time to play him, or expect much from him.

In the two weeks before he was healthy, Hernandez had 14 catches for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He looked fantastic during those first two games, and the Patriots used him all over the field, including lining him up in the slot several times.

Quarterback Tom Brady has praised Hernandez's improvement and comfort in the team's offense this year, and it's easy to see why. The second-year pro has shown a great set of hands and athleticism and has had no problem getting open when he's been healthy.

But today against the Jets, Hernandez is unlikely to see a ton of snaps. The Patriots would be right to take their time and allow him to heal fully before rushing him back into full-time duty. With fellow second-year man Rob Gronkowski showing that he's as consistent as any tight end in all of football, there is no need for New England to take any risks.

Gronkowski has impressed so far this season, grabbing 18 catches for 296 yards and five touchdowns through the first four weeks.

With that kind of production already coming out of the tight end spot, Hernandez is unlikely to see a lot of playing time until he is fully healthy. And he isn't there quite yet.