As fantasy managers prepare for the playoff stretch, there's nothing more important than having a fully healthy lineup.
Managers had to endure Week 13 without wide receiver Demario Douglas. As the Patriots prepare for a short week heading into Thursday's game against the Steelers, Douglas' status remains in question.
Is Demario Douglas injured? Will Demario Douglas play in Week 14? What is Demario Douglas's fantasy outlook?
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Demario Douglas Injury Update for Fantasy Football
Douglas missed all three practices last week due to a concussion. Unsurprisingly, he did not clear protocol in time for Sunday's game against the Chargers.
Demario Douglas Fantasy Football Outlook
As soon as Kendrick Bourne (knee) tore his ACL, Douglas, a rookie, occupied a much larger role within the offense. From Weeks 7 to 12, he averaged 5.2 catches and 53.4 yards per game, operating as the Patriots' clear No. 1 target in the passing game. During this span, he was a steady WR3/FLEX option in most fantasy leagues.
When Douglas went down, though, there was far less clarity. In the days leading up to Week 13, it was unclear who would step up as Bailey Zappe's top option. In the end, it was DeVante Parker, who caught four of nine targets for 64 yards while yielding a 86 percent snap share.
As the Patriots prepare for Week 14, it remains unclear whether Douglas will be available. Typically, concussed players make significant progress in their second week. However, Douglas' case is a bit different because the Patriots have a short week. Douglas needs to be ready by Thursday (not Sunday) in order to play versus the Steelers.
If Douglas is active, he'll instantly return to the No. 1 receiver role, making him a WR3/FLEX option with upside in PPR leagues. If he's inactive, Parker will handle increased volume but is merely a fantasy WR4.
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