RADIO
Although the Dallas Cowboys have absolutely nothing left to play for this season, for some reason the team is refusing to shut down star wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant is still recovering from the foot injury that kept him out several weeks and he’s also dealing with a knee injury.
Despite being held out of practice on Wednesday, the team is planning of having Bryant available to them when the team faces the Buffalo Bills in Week 16. The team is calling Bryant’s absence from practice on Wednesday a “rest day.”
I would consider Bryant a WR3 at best against the Bills. It is true that he’s one of the most talented receivers in the game today, but he’s clearly not 100 percent healthy, nor has he been playing very hard. In addition, he will have Kellen Moore throwing him the football.
Only start Bryant this week if you are incredibly desperate for a WR3 or a flex play. I have a feeling he’ll only catch one or two footballs this week.
The New England Patriots listed wide receiver Danny Amendola as limited in practice on Wednesday with a knee injury. Head coach Bill Belichick never lets any information regarding injuries leak to the media, so your guess is as good as mine on his status for Week 16.
I would consider Amendola highly questionable to play this week against the New York Jets. Even if he does play, I would consider him a fringe WR3 in a tough matchup.
Through 13 games this season, Amendola has hauled in 63 passes for 631 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Tom Brady has been forced to rely on Amendola more than usual due to Julian Edelman’s foot injury. Edelman is also highly questionable for this week’s contest.
One wide receiver who is fully expected to play in Week 16 is Cincinnati Bengals star A.J. Green, who bruised his back in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers. With the Bengals set to play the Denver Broncos on Monday night, Green will have an extra day to heal.
Although Green does have a very tough matchup this week, you would be crazy to bench him. I would consider him a high end WR2 this week. He may not be 100 percent and A.J. McCarron will be throwing him the football, but he’s still one of the best receivers in the game. Start him with confidence.
