RADIO
Most people knew tight end Julius Thomas wouldn’t put up as great of numbers with the Jacksonville Jaguars as he did with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. But we did expect him to play better than he has been playing!
Through four games thus far this season Thomas has only recorded 13 receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. That’s obviously not good enough to earn fantasy football starting consideration. When talking to Jaguars.com, Thomas had an excuse for his poor play; he blamed it on a lack of timing with young quarterback Blake Bortles.
"I’m very confident we’ll start connecting," Thomas said. "The looks are there. The opportunities are there. As we get a better feel for each other and our timing, it’s going to come along."
It is true that Thomas’ numbers should begin to look better once Bortles has a chance to familiarize himself with his tight end’s talents. However, not all of the struggles can be blamed on Bortles. Thomas also has to do a better job of getting open, especially in short yardage situations. Just one touchdown through four games is inexcusable.
He should be used as a high-end TE2 against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10. And I say a “high-end” TE2 because wide receiver Allen Hurns may or may not play in the game.
Hurns has been dealing with a foot injury and his status for Week 10 is currently up in the air.
I’m feeling better," Hurns said, according to the Florida Times Union. "If I’m able to go, I’m going to go. It will take a lot for me not to be out there."
Hurns will obviously do everything in his power to get out on the field, but it doesn’t sound promising, especially considering he was in a walking boot earlier in the week.
Hurns has struggled with several injuries throughout the season, but thus far he has been able to play through them and become a strong WR2 for his fantasy owners. Through eight games he has 36 catches for 635 yards and six touchdowns.
But Hurns’ latest injury may force the team to consider giving him a week off. At 2-6, the team doesn’t really have a shot at making the playoffs, so it would be dumb for them to risk a serious injury to such a young and promising talent.
Pay close attention to his status as Sunday nears. If he plays, he can be slotted into starting lineups as a WR2.
