With the Week Three Tight End Rankings headed your way, I am sure there have been a lot of owners scouring the waiver wire to make up for the loss of Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez this week. As expected from seeing him in the preseason, Hernandez got off to a hot start against the Titans in Week One, catching 6 passes for 59 yards and a score. Unfortunately, not only did Hernandez put up a goose egg against the Cardinals in Week Two, but he is now expected to sit out for the next 6-8 weeks with a low ankle sprain. While that's bad news for his owners, this should be good news for Rob Gronkowski, who figures to have an even bigger role going forward. The team made up for Hernandez's loss by signing former Buccaneers TE Kellen Winslow, but can Winslow be counted on to pick up the slack? I don't think so, even though Winslow did catch 75 passes last year in Tampa. I'd much rather have someone like Brent Celek instead.
Speaking of Celek, he's been a huge pass-catching option for the Eagles this year. Through two games, he's racked up 12 catches, 222 yards and a score. Can he keep it up in Week Three against the Cardinals? I'll hold off on that one for now. The Eagles' offensive line got hit hard this past week, losing center Jason Kelce for the year with a knee injury and also left tackle King Dunlap with a hamstring injury. Demetress Bell played well in Dunlap's absence, but could Celek be asked to block more to make up for the loss? It has been a role for him over the last couple years. I think if Bell can hold up on his end, Celek could be a fine borderline TE1 once again, but start him with caution this week.
On that note, let's get to the Week Three Tight End Rankings. Once finished, make sure to check out the rest of our rankings, including IDP, on our rankings page.
[table id=196 /]