Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons have two of the best wide receivers in the NFL in Julio Jones and Roddy White, but a lingering high ankle sprain has limited White to just 10 receptions for 84 yards through the first four games of the season, with no more than three catches or 28 receiving yards in any game. He played 74 out of 76 snaps (via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) in Week 4 against the New England Patriots, but reportedly suffered a setback in the game and he looks unlikely to be 100 percent all season.
Harry Douglas has seen a fair amount of action as Atlanta’s No. 3 wide receiver with White limited, and he has 14 catches for 213 yards (15.2 yards per catch) to this point. Does Douglas deserve the attention of fantasy football owners?
As long as White continues to suit up on game day, and all indications are he will, there is a significant ceiling on Douglas’ fantasy value no matter how much the Falcons throw the ball. But a favorable matchup is coming next Monday night against the New York Jets, who entered Week 5 allowing 25 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers (10th-most in the league, ESPN scoring). So any chance Douglas has to repeat or build on last week’s performance against the Patriots (five receptions for 68 yards) may come this week, assuming White sees his snap count limited.
The Falcons have a bye in Week 6, so fantasy owners should not look to add Douglas immediately since White may be closer to full health and able to produce at a high level again after a week off. That being said, Douglas is someone to keep an eye on in 12 and 14-team leagues as a potential WR5 with the upside to be a starting option if White continues to be limited or even misses a game or two down the road.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
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