Anthony

Gonzalez

Gonzalez was inactive for Week 1’s loss to the Texans. Limited to just two games the past two seasons, Gonzalez was going to be a shaky fantasy proposition even if Peyton Manning was playing this season. Without him, Gonzalez is completely off the fantasy radar.

In typical Patriots fashion, Gonzalez is a low-price, low-risk kind of option. The 2007 first-round pick certainly has talent, but he’s appeared in just 10 games over the last three seasons due to injury. Gonzalez’s natural position is the slot -- a position held by Wes Welker in New England. Gonzalez is a backup at this point in his career.

Ochocinco’s roster spot was on thin ice before the Patriots signed Jabar Gaffney, but that move was likely the nail in Ocho’s New England coffin. Stallworth was a pure depth signing, while Gonzalez could be an early cut if he doesn’t prove early on in camp that he’s 100 percent.

Once one of the most promising young receivers in football, Gonzalez has seen his career all but ended by injuries. Primarily sidelined by knee issues, the 2007 first-round pick has appeared in just 10 games since 2008. If Gonzalez can get and stay healthy, it’s possible he’d be a shrewd low-cost flier on the Pats’ part, but he’ll be far from guaranteed a roster spot.

They told him via phone call on Friday. A first-round draft pick in 2007, Gonzalez is on the verge of washing out of the league due to so many injuries in Indy. He has caught just five passes for 67 yards over the past three seasons.

This is just an FYI on a player who has appeared in only six games this season, drawing one target. Gonzalez is much closer to being out of football than ever regaining fantasy relevance. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end.

Gonzalez wasn’t at OTAs last week. With no special teams value, he was already facing an uphill battle to make the final roster after the team added Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, and Donte’ Stallworth at receiver. Signed just over two months ago, the quick release leaves us to wonder if Gonzalez is reaching the end of the line in his NFL career. The 2007 first-rounder has just five receptions and 67 yards in the past three seasons.

In other words, Gonzalez’s speed and short-area burst have been sapped by recurring leg injuries. The Patriots didn’t even deem Gonzalez worth bringing to training camp. We wouldn’t expect to see the 28-year-old in the NFL again.

Gonzalez, 28, enrolled in the Stanford Graduate School of Business two weeks ago. “One hundred million percent, no doubt,” Gonzalez said when asked if he’s officially moved on from the NFL. Gonzalez signed with the Patriots this offseason but was released in May. “I’m actually happy they released me,” Gonzalez added. He caught 99 passes for 1,307 yards and seven touchdowns from 2007-10 with the Colts before his career was marred by injuries.

The Colts will roll with just Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon and Austin Collie as available wideouts. It’s yet another sign that they plan on attempting a run-heavy scheme that involves fullbacks and double-tight sets. Other Colts inactives: QB Peyton Manning, DB Kevin Thomas, RB Darren Evans, OG Jamey Richard and DE Jerry Hughes.