Early Exit

Early Doucet is scheduled to undergo surgery for a sports hernia that will keep him out for the next 3-6 weeks.

It’s a tough break for Doucet, who was looking forward to a greater role in the offense with the departure of Anquan Boldin. Many felt he was on the verge of stardom after he erupted for 14 catches, 145 yards, and two touchdowns in the playoffs last season.

Doucet has been slowed by a variety of injuries in his short career, including an abdominal strain that slowed him this entire preseason. This latest injury will cast a shadow of doubt on his short and long term future with the Cardinals.

As with every injury, the impact in dynasty leagues goes far beyond just the player missing time. In this case, there are a few Cardinals who have seen their values change for at least the next month.

Early Doucet, WR, ARI

He’s going to need to recover quickly and show he can stay on the field if he ever wants to make the kind of impact that matches his talent. The Cardinals are a team in flux right now offensively and you can bet they’ll stick with whatever lineup produces. Unfortunately, that won’t include Doucet if they get things working in the next month or so.

Stephen Williams, WR, ARI

We focused on Williams back in August as a player who was making a late push to be on dynasty rosters. If he’s still available in your league, you need to act fast.

Williams is a 6’5″ undrafted wide receiver who posted 79 receptions for 1,065 yards, and five touchdowns last season for the Toledo Rockets.

He’s shown surprising ability all Summer long, including 11 catches for 187 yards for Arizona this preseason. He now finds himself safely in possession of the No. 3 wide receiver role vacated by Doucet.

This is a golden opportunity for Williams to show he belongs on the big stage. While his potential may be somewhat limited with the erratic quarterback play of the Cardinals, it’s an exciting time for him.

Steve Breaston, WR, ARI

Many prognosticators believed Doucet would replace Breaston as the No. 2 wide receiver opposite Larry Fitzgerald. His seven catches and 132 receiving yards in the opener combined with this injury make that prediction null and void.

Breaston should have an opportunity for a very nice season now that he won’t be looking over his shoulder nearly as much.

Max Komar and Andre Roberts, WRs, ARI

Roberts was a chic rookie pick way back in April, but he’d fallen behind both Komar and Williams in recent weeks. After Komar fumbled a few times in last week’s game, it could be Roberts who takes advantage as the new No. 4 receiver.

Komar should stay on waiver wires for the moment, but Roberts still belongs on dynasty league rosters if he does move into the No. 4 wide receiver role.

SUMMARY

This is one of those injuries that make you glad to be in a dynasty league. While it’s mostly irrelevant in many redraft leagues, this injury could open the door for a number of players to make their mark early and establish themselves as valuable long-term commodities.