Austin

Pettis

The Rams discovered last Wednesday that Amendola required season-ending surgery. His loss is a huge blow for a team that’s received astoundingly poor receiver play this season, and could have them playing mix-and-match for weeks to come. Former Raider Nick Miller has taken Amendola’s place on the roster, and should get a look on offense, perhaps even in the slot. For now, rookie Austin Pettis has a loose grip on the job. Set for restricted free agency this offseason, it’s an unideal time for Amendola to land on I.R., but the good news is he isn’t dealing with a lower-body injury. He should be able to return to his usual effectiveness in 2012.

Even if Clayton is part of the 46-man roster, his role this week figures to be limited. “We’re still talking about a guy who didn’t go through training camp, hadn’t been in a game in a long time, so we’ll have to slowly ease him in,” Spagnuolo said. Austin Pettis is a good bet to act as the primary slot man this week.

Pettis reeled in a reception on three of St. Louis’ final 16 offensive plays. With Mark Clayton’s (Achilles, knee) status uncertain, Pettis will almost certainly man the slot against the Browns, and could remain there through the end of the season. Sam Bradford checks down to the slot as much as any quarterback in the league, making Pettis worth an immediate flier in PPR leagues.

The injury happened late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to Arizona. Salas was just coming into his own after a miserable start to his rookie season, having overtaken fellow rookie Austin Pettis for St. Louis’ primary slot receiver job. Pettis will likely now move into the role, giving him some appeal in PPR leagues. Sam Bradford loves checking down into the slot, and Salas had 12 receptions in his last two games. The injury should not be a long-term concern, which is the best news for Salas.

Pettis drew just four targets as the Rams had problems getting the passing game going on a windy day in Cleveland. While it may not be reasonable to expect Pettis to produce at the rate Salas was before going down, he’s a good bet to trail only Brandon Lloyd for targets in the season’s final seven games. He’s worth a bench spot in PPR leagues.

Pettis was targeted nine times in his best game since coming on in relief of an injured Greg Salas in Week 9. Averaging just 2.6 catches for 27.6 yards in six games since taking over as the Rams’ primary slot receiver, Pettis is a poor own in deeper PPR leagues.

Pettis was held to two catches for 12 yards on five targets, and now we know why. The fact he was able to play through the injury bodes well for his Week 12 status, but he shouldn’t be considered a guarantee to suit up against the Cardinals. His status will be updated Wednesday, if not sooner.

Pettis missed a bunch of snaps last week while getting treatment on his knee. It’s not a serious injury, but he won’t be a fantasy option at less than 100 percent. Pettis is averaging 3.0 catches for 28.6 yards with no touchdowns over the last three weeks.

Pettis managed to tie Brandon Gibson for the team lead with seven targets, but was largely invisible aside from a nifty 17-yard grab in the second quarter where he tacked on some yards after the catch. Failing to take the slot job and run with it the way Greg Salas and Danny Amendola have the past two seasons, Pettis won’t be much of a PPR asset as the moribund Rams play out the string.

Since taking over as the Rams’ primary slot receiver in Week 10, Pettis is averaging just 2.4 catches for 25.6 yards. That’s not even good enough for deeper PPR league consideration. With Greg Salas and Danny Amendola both likely to be back in the fold for St. Louis in 2012, Pettis has little-to-no value in dynasty formats.