Keepers Report: Injured QBs, WRs, and TEs Assessment
WR Sidney Rice, ---
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The Seattle Seahawks' prized offseason acquisition, Sidney Rice, suffered his second concussion in less than a month in Week 12 and was placed on injured reserve shortly thereafter. Rice finished his first season in Seattle with 32 receptions for 484 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. Rice, who was coming off an injury shortened 2010 season with Minnesota (17 catches, 280 yards and two touchdowns), hasn't been an elite fantasy wide receiver since his breakout campaign in 2009.
The emergence of undrafted rookie wide receiver Doug Baldwin (48 catches for 748 yards and four touchdowns) and youngster Golden Tate (30 catches for 336 yards and three touchdowns) has been great for the Seattle offense, but it hurts the long-term value of Rice with the Seahawks. Rice should emerge fully healthy and as Seattle's number one wide receiver next season, but there are some serious questions about his ability to develop into a stud fantasy wide receiver in Seattle that revolve around the teams quarterback situation (and Rice's struggles with injuries over the past two seasons). Rice could be a bargain for fantasy owners next season or a player that we all overpay for based on his "potential".
TE Dallas Clark, ---
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If there is one thing all fantasy owners learned this season, it is this: the fantasy value of Dallas Clark is directly tied to the health of Peyton Manning. Without Manning under center, the nine-year veteran out of Iowa struggled mightily becoming a non-factor; even when healthy, managing only 29 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns in just 10 games this season.
Clark missed three games after suffering a lower leg injury in Week 9 and proceeded to suffer a neck injury in his first game back against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. Clark has not played since suffering the neck injury. While the injuries have limited his playing time, there is no question that the absence of Manning has been the key contributor to Clark's precipitous decline this season.
If Manning returns fully healthy next season, there is no doubt that Clark will return to the elite class of fantasy stud tight ends. Clark's fantasy value will plummet in fantasy drafts, without question, but he represents a major buy-low opportunity for fantasy owners and will be a popular bounce-back candidate next season.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
