Finding Antonio Gates’ Replacement on the Waiver Wire

Finding Antonio Gates’ Replacement on the Waiver Wire

Just like we did with our close-look at waiver wire options to replace Kenny Britt, we’re dissecting your league’s waiver wire for a potential tight end sub for Antonio Gates.

Gates missed last week with a bum foot and could be out for an extended period of time as he tries to get his constantly ailing foot near full health. Here’s a list of solid tight end options that are available in at least 51% of all standard Yahoo! leagues and could help your squad:

Jared Cook – Tennessee Titans (70%)

Cook has just five catches through the first three weeks, but with the loss of the aforementioned Kenny Britt, there’s a very good chance he sees a much bigger and more consistent role in the passing game moving forward. Cook is a big target with elite athleticism, so a few more targets his way could translate into fantasy success. His talent and potential is absolutely worth a flier if you’re a Gates owner.

Jermaine Gresham – Cincinnati Bengals (74%)

Gresham and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton displayed solid chemistry in Week One, couldn’t connect in Week Two, and appeared to get somewhat back on track last week. The Bengals take on a suspect Buffalo Bills pass defense this week, so there’s a chance Gresham and Dalton start clicking again.

Chris Cooley – Washington Redskins (75%)

Cooley struggled all off-season and through the first two weeks with a knee injury, but suddenly had four receptions for 40+ yards against the Dallas Cowboys last week. It’s also worth mentioning that the previously rising Fred Davis had just one catch. It could be a random happening in a Mike Shanahan offense, or it could be a sign of things to come. Monitor the situation.

Ed Dickson – Baltimore Ravens (84%)

Dickson may never be a full-blown elite tight end option, but he could help you through any given week due to his size and athleticism. Joe Flacco likes throwing to him (12 catches through three weeks), and their chemistry figures to only grow. He’s somewhat held back by the presence of Dennis Pitta, but there is potential here.

Benjamin Watson – Cleveland Browns (84%)

Watson was a solid TE1 last season and is slowly working his way to becoming that again. Unfortunately, Colt McCoy has struggled with his accuracy so far this season, and their chemistry has been slow to mature in 2011. However, McCoy and the Browns get a tough Tennessee Titans pass defense this week, which could cause McCoy to dump off to Watson more over the middle this week. He’s a proven performer, so he’s not a bad option to take a shot on this week and going forward.

James Casey – Houston Texans (94%)

Casey lined up at fullback, wide receiver, and tight end in Week Three, and ended Houston’s contest with the New Orleans Saints with an unlikely 126 yards and a touchdown off of five receptions. This could easily be a blip on the radar, but it could also be a major sign of Casey’s potential role with the team. He has great size, athleticism, and versatility, and it’d be shocking if the Texans didn’t put his talents to use more. He’s probably not ready to take over as your TE1 just yet, but he needs to be stashed in all leagues.
Randy McMichael – San Diego Chargers (98%)
Last, but certainly not least, who better to replace an ailing Gates with that the guy who will replace him in real life? McMichael isn’t the athletic phenom he was in his prime, but he’s still a solid tight end and is capable of putting up respectable numbers in the Chargers offense.

Finding Antonio Gates Replacement on the Waiver Wire