Kansas City Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano (88) catches a 12-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Anthony Fasano has been an underrated player in this league for quite some time, because this is a guy who flew under the radar with the Miami Dolphins as an afterthought in the passing attack. I am steadfast in the belief that blocking tight ends are among the most under-appreciated players in the game (same with great blocking fullbacks, but Chiefs fans already appreciate All-Pro FB Anthony Sherman to the fullest extent), and Fasano wasn’t exactly given his due in Miami most of the time. I mean, the only time in when Fasano was a key part of the passing attack was when accurate veteran Chad Pennington was at the helm, as the former New York Jets star enjoyed giving Fasano targets. But for the most part, Fasano was just a blocker for the Dolphins, and he was a great one at that. And as far as pass-catching goes, he was an unathletic plodder, but he was also a smart, sure-handed target.

Fasano’s emergence over the past few weeks hasn’t been huge on the stat sheet or anything, but it’s been an important even for the Kansas City Chiefs offense all the same. The clear Achilles’ heel of this Chiefs team is the passing attack, but it’s been getting better recently. Alex Smith is a decent starting quarterback despite his obvious limitations, and hopefully the receivers around him can step up. Smith probably has the most inconsistent targets surrounding him, which is why Anthony Fasano is such an important piece.

Going back to his days with Vernon Davis on the San Francisco 49ers, Smith is an accurate game manager who loves looking for his tight end as a safety valve. And since Fasano is proving himself to be a safe option, he’s getting more looks. In fact, yesterday’s touchdown reception (which was a very nice grab that showcased his solid hands, by the way) represented his third straight game with a TD catch, and he is a huge target in the red zone.

That’s why it’s so concerning to hear that Fasano is injured, especially since his rise as a pass-catcher has been all the more important due to season-ending injuries to athletic, versatile types Tony Moeaki and rookie Travis Kelce, who never even played a down for the Chiefs this year.

According to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stated that Anthony Fasano suffered both a concussion and a “bit of a” knee sprain. Consider him doubtful this week against the Washington Redskins, which definitely isn’t a big deal. Fasano will most likely be fine once the games increase in importance.

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