CSN New England is reporting that New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez could be out for up to four to six weeks. This is in stark contrast to the initial reports from the Boston Globe that stated he would only be out for one or two weeks. Hernandez sprained his MCL, which is a difficult injury to project how long a player will be sidelined.

Fantasy Analysis:

Although losing Hernandez certainly doesn't help the Patriots, they have the offensive depth to get by without him. Keep in mind that guys like WR Chad Ochocinco and RB Danny Woodhead could, in tandem, fill the role vacated by Hernandez's absence. Fantasy owners likely don't have that luxury with their depth but there are a number of emerging tight ends available on the waiver wire who could fill in temporarily. If anything, savvy owners grabbed Hernandez as their TE2 so this loss doesn't hurt them too badly. Look for Rob Gronkowski to also have an expanded role, if that's possible, with Hernandez sidelined.