Aaron Dobson travels, expected to play
New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) runs out of bounds during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Patriots 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots have already ruled out rookie receivers Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins for today’s big game against the Baltimore Ravens, leaving Aaron Dobson as the only viable “X” receiver who hasn’t been ruled out. Dobson has missed the past three games with a foot sprain he suffered very early in the team’s Week 12 game against the Denver Broncos. The injury didn’t seem significant at the time, but we gradually saw it become more of an issue.
MassLive.com’s underrated Nick Underhill reports that Dobson was able to make the trip to Baltimore yesterday, and he adds that Dobson wasn’t able to travel to Miami last week before being listed inactive. As Underhill notes, there are no guarantees that Dobson is able to play today, but I think we will most likely see Dobson starting at the “X”.
I mean, he’s already been out for three weeks, and every indication is that he’ll be back today. On Friday, it was reported that Dobson would likely make his return this week, following positive comments he made regarding his health. The Patriots also can’t afford to go into a critical game against the Ravens without a viable starting “X” receiver, and Dobson is usually their best option when everyone is healthy. He’s had five games this season with at least five receptions, and he is able to make plays downfield with four touchdowns and an average of 14.1 yards per catch.
If fantasy owners are having difficulty finding a viable wide receiver in “Championship Week”, then Dobson would be a decent option, mainly in deeper leagues.