The word out of Pittsburgh this week has grown from concerning to shocking. When the Steelers signed free agent Ladarius Green this past March to a four-year deal, he was supposed to not only help boost the team’s already vaunted offense after the retirement of stalwart TE Heath Miller, but he was also supposed to finally produce the type of fantasy numbers folks have been envisioning for years. Long buried behind San Diego’s Antonio Gates, Green has been a top 10 fantasy TE this preseason with top 5 upside.
Recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Green had to miss OTAs and then started camp two weeks ago on the active/PUP list. Some obvious concern, but nothing warranting removal from TE1 consideration. Even if he were to miss every preseason game, Green was signed to be a significant contributor. He’ll get his 50-70 yards a game and TD every other game, at minimum.
But yesterday afternoon, NFL.com reported that, according to Green’s agent, the TE’s foot is “fine.” Instead, recurring headaches were the reason Green couldn’t practice. NBC Sports followed up that report by stating that an unnamed member of the Steelers suggested Green is considering retiring from the game.
I’d put all this in the “grounded speculation” category. The talented tight end has an extensive concussion history, so there’s smoke here. We’ll probably learn more in the next few days. In the meantime, backup TE Jesse James is a name to watch. He had 78 catches for 1,005 yards and 11 scores in three college seasons. Nowhere near Green’s level or even Miller’s, James’ impact would be felt in the red zone on scoring drives and during what are expected to be many Pittsburgh two-point conversion opportunities. If Green can’t play, James is a top 25 TE with top 14-16 upside, depending on usage and development.
So to recap, I’m not dropping Green on my draft board . . . yet. Waiting for the dust to settle. If he’s placed on PUP to start the season, all bets are off. If the headaches go away and he’s ready to jump back in, he’ll be a risky top 16 TE with upside—automatic upside if he stays healthy, but with downside due to potentially significant re-injury risks.
Recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Green had to miss OTAs and then started camp two weeks ago on the active/PUP list. Some obvious concern, but nothing warranting removal from TE1 consideration. Even if he were to miss every preseason game, Green was signed to be a significant contributor. He’ll get his 50-70 yards a game and TD every other game, at minimum.
But yesterday afternoon, NFL.com reported that, according to Green’s agent, the TE’s foot is “fine.” Instead, recurring headaches were the reason Green couldn’t practice. NBC Sports followed up that report by stating that an unnamed member of the Steelers suggested Green is considering retiring from the game.
I’d put all this in the “grounded speculation” category. The talented tight end has an extensive concussion history, so there’s smoke here. We’ll probably learn more in the next few days. In the meantime, backup TE Jesse James is a name to watch. He had 78 catches for 1,005 yards and 11 scores in three college seasons. Nowhere near Green’s level or even Miller’s, James’ impact would be felt in the red zone on scoring drives and during what are expected to be many Pittsburgh two-point conversion opportunities. If Green can’t play, James is a top 25 TE with top 14-16 upside, depending on usage and development.
So to recap, I’m not dropping Green on my draft board . . . yet. Waiting for the dust to settle. If he’s placed on PUP to start the season, all bets are off. If the headaches go away and he’s ready to jump back in, he’ll be a risky top 16 TE with upside—automatic upside if he stays healthy, but with downside due to potentially significant re-injury risks.