Tony Gonzalez fully expected to play
Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez (88) is tackled by New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) after a catch in the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons veteran tight end Tony Gonzalez was limited at practice all week, and the Falcons listed him questionable for today’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Gonzalez, however, seems like a near-lock to play today, since he easily played last week despite being listed questionable. Heck, Gonzalez is one of those players who has played without even practicing during the week in the past, so there should be no doubts regarding his status.
But just in case you needed confirmation (mainly for fantasy football purposes), the NFL Network’s Stacey Dales reports that Gonzalez is expected to play today.
So far this season, Gonzalez has hauled in 62 passes for 653 yards and five touchdowns, and he’s been an important safety valve for Matt Ryan, who hasn’t had much safety this season due to key injuries at the wide receiver position and on the offensive line. Gonzalez is likely in the last year of his career, but he is still definitely going strong and has caught less than three passes in a game this season just once.
This toe injury shouldn’t hold Gonzalez out of today’s game, and I think fantasy owners can safely start him without having any worries. If he is inactive, then that would be a big shock.