The Seattle Seahawks had their best offensive performance of the season in Sunday’s 39-30 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers but suffered a major loss when tight end Jimmy Graham went down with a season-ending injury.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said a patellar tendon injury Graham suffered in the fourth quarter will require surgery and keep him sidelined for the balance of the season. Graham, 29, was trying to come down with a Russell Wilson pass in the end zone but landed awkwardly on his leg as he was diving for the ball. The former Pro Bowler finished the game with four receptions for 75 yards.
His absence will open up an opportunity for Luke Willson, who should take over the Seahawks’ starting tight end role. Willson has posted only 12 receptions all season and has never topped 22, so it’s hard to imagine him emerging as an elite pass-catcher. Those looking to replace Graham on their fantasy teams would be much better looking elsewhere.
From a logical perspective: The Seahawks weren’t even using Graham all that well. He’s topped five receptions only four times all season, has just two touchdowns and has been frustrated with his role at times, per Nerdy Football’s Mike Freeman. And keep in mind the Seahawks mortgaged actual assets to bring Graham in as an offensive difference-maker this season.
Willson isn’t going to get the same treatment. There won’t be balls thrown into tight coverage going his way, and the Seahawks aren’t going to game-plan ways to make sure he gets the ball. That’s not to say they’ll ignore him entirely, but there are at least a handful of tight ends available in most leagues worth picking up over Willson.
Crockett Gillmore, Heath Miller, Brent Celek and Zach Miller are just a few potential better options.
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