The injuries in Tampa Bay have left Julio Jones’ fantasy football value in an intriguing place heading into Week 2. However, is Jones even playing today against the Saints, or will he be inactive as he deals with a knee injury? Let’s look at Jones’ current status and the fantasy situation for the Buccaneers if he is active or inactive.
Update: Julio Jones will miss the Buccaneers’ Week 2 game with the Saints.
Is Julio Jones playing today?
When Jones was absent from the Buccaneers’ practice on Wednesday, there was optimism that it was just a veteran rest day. However, he was then also absent on Thursday before practicing in a limited fashion Friday.
Entering the weekend questionable, it appears Jones is a game-time decision for Tampa Bay. Both ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jones’ status will be decided closer to game time.
The good news is that the Buccaneers play in the early afternoon slate. If they were not playing until the late afternoon, then it would be tougher for fantasy managers if he were ruled out ahead of the game.
With Chris Godwin missing, as well as Mike Evans, Russell Gage, and Breshad Perriman, this could have been a huge week for Jones’ fantasy output. Unfortunately, of the questionable receivers for the Buccaneers, Jones appears to be the least likely to suit up. That makes it hard to trust him to have a full workload this week, even if he is active.
It is tough to start Jones today, regardless of his status. Given his history of injuries, the Buccaneers will likely be cautious with him. They have a lot of depth at WR this week, with Jaelon Darden, Scotty Miller, and Kaylon Geiger all potentially set to be active this week. Those players could see a lot of snaps between them, especially if the Buccaneers open up a lead late in the game.
Can you start Russell Gage or any of the other Buccaneers’ WRs?
Trusting anyone in this offense is tough this week. Gage played on just 42 percent of the snaps in Week 1 and saw two targets. That workload should increase this week, but there is still no certainty about his role. That makes him hard to utilize as a fantasy asset, even if Jones is absent.
The situation is similar for Perriman, who saw three targets last week. He did not catch any of them and enters today’s matchup injured. He is a perennial best ball candidate because he can have a big-play impact, but it is incredibly hard to start week-to-week in standard lineup leagues.
If you have to take a shot on a Buccaneers receiver in a deeper league, Darden is intriguing. While Geiger is on the practice squad and Miller was a healthy scratch last week, Darden played 10 snaps on offense, had one carry, and returned punts.
If the Buccaneers get the ball in his hands, he could break some big plays with his ability to make players miss. However, it would be a risk with his role uncertain.