Dallascowboys.com is reporting that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones "does not expect Austin to be back in the next week..." and that Austin could wind up missing the entire remainder of preseason with yet another hamstring issue—his second issue in as many years.
After news regarding Jason Witten's injury, the last thing Cowboys' fans (and fantasy football fans) wanna read is another member of this potent offense sidelined with an injury.
The real issue here is the fact that Austin is again dealing with yet another hamstring issue which is becoming a reoccurring nightmare. Austin recently said that he wasn't a 100% last season, but reiterated that he was in fact 100% this year.
Miles Austin is now a receiver who should have a giant red flag associated with him for those who have yet to compete in their fantasy football draft. His current fifth round ADP isn't looking so nice with this recent news, and if his hammy persists, I just don't know if Austin will find himself being relegated to Boom or Bust status, so err on the side of caution with him.
Again, things are getting worrisome in Dallas. The Dallas brass were hoping to include Austin in the slot this season which would really boost Austin's fantasy appeal, but if Austin can't stay healthy, who will the Cowboys turn to?
Come to think of it, who will fantasy owners turn to?
Andre Holmes continues to "stand out" in the eyes of Jerry Jones. Holmes is competing for the third receiver role against veteran Kevin Ogletree. Holmes is certainly a candidate to put on your watch list given his performance to date.
Cole Beasely continues to make a strong case for himself catching seven balls for 104 yards in Dallas' second preseason game and is a candidate to share some part-time slot duties with Austin. Beasely recently had some minor issues with the team, but this performance helps erase such a memory. I'd keep an eye on him for now.
Kevin Ogletree the team's four year veteran, is currently "in the lead" for the third receiver spot, but is expected to take over the No. 2 job while Austin sits out of preseason. Ogletree has the most upside, but both Holmes and Beasely do come with their own intrigue. I would pay strict attention to Ogletree, however. If Austin's hammy continues to be bothersome, Ogletree could hold some back-end draft value.
Fantasy owners who are NOT drafting Austin but ARE drafting Dez Bryant, will really benefit from a healthy Austin as well. Without Austin on the field, Bryant will become easier to defend...we'll keep you posted.
