Instant Analysis: Wes Welker to avoid the PUP list

The Sports Hub’s Gresh and Zolak Show on 98.5 in Boston is reporting that Wes Welker will participate in the upcoming Patriots camp starting on July 29th.

Participating in practice assures Welker would avoid the Physically Unable to Play List and being unavailable until week seven of the season. He has yet to be medically cleared, but this seems to be a formality more than anything else if this report rings true.

While many following Welker’s quick recovery have been quick to say it’s going better than expected, most still figured he’d start the season on the PUP list.

This development isn’t quite a done deal until he’s medically cleared, and we all know how cryptic the Patriots can be about injuries.  However, Welker’s presence would have major fantasy football implications in dynasty leagues.

Wes Welker, WR
His 123 catches led the league last year. Considering that’s two fewer than Mike Sims-Walker and DeSean Jackson combined, you could say that was a pretty productive season. His 1,348 yards were second only to Andre Johnson as well.

Expecting those types of numbers coming off an injury would likely be a little foolhardy, but you can bet the Patriots wouldn’t push him onto the active roster if they weren’t positive he could handle it.

Welker is a steal in redrafting and startup leagues for about the next five hours. After that, his value should have rocketed back up as owners read the news.

Julian Edelman, WR
Edelman was poised to stake his claim as a very serviceable No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in leagues rewarding points for receptions had Welker started out on the PUP list.

His value for the season takes a significant dive, but he’ll still earn some time in the offense if the Pats take it slowly with Welker the first few weeks.

Dynasty league owners should still hold on to Edelman. He’s shown some ability over the past year. He’ll simply be a developmental prospect for the time being.

Brandon Tate, WR
Tate is still one of our favorite sleepers out there. He may not have the same type of opportunity to burst on the scene as he would have with Welker on the shelf, but he’s still making some noise.

With Randy Moss’ contract situation and the future of the wide receiver corps in flux, Tate still has a legitimate chance to stake his claim as a future star.

If you have an owner in your dynasty league who undervalues him after this news, go get him.

Tom Brady, QB
It should be another ho-hum 4,500 passing yards, and 25 touchdowns for Tom Terrific this season. Welker’s return just gives him another option, and his favorite one at that.

Randy Moss, WR
Welker’s return keeps defenses honest.  Combine that with the talent of Randy Moss in a contract year and you once again get a sneaky candidate to lead the league in yards and receiving touchdowns in 2010.

If I’m a competing team, I hold tight to Moss. If I’m rebuilding from the ground up in my dynasty league, he’s a prime candidate to move.

Torry Holt, WR
Holt is simply not the same player he was back in St. Louis. He may not even be the same player he was in Jacksonville. If Welker returns this soon, Holt could be on the chopping block in camp.

The news this afternoon is sending some shockwaves throughout the fantasy football community. Welker owners are rejoicing as they now have one of the elite weapons in dynasty leagues, especially those who reward points for receptions.