David

Ausberry

The 2011 seventh-rounder is an ex-wideout who impressed the old coaching staff in training camp last season. With a strong preseason, Ausberry could earn a rotational role with Brandon Myers, who is a much better blocker.

Coach Dennis Allen believes the converted wide receiver “definitely has the ability to” become an every-down tight end, and the Raiders are serious about making it happen long-term. Ausberry has gained 20 pounds to aid in blocking, though he remains on the raw side. While we aren’t expecting much fantasy value in 2012, Ausberry makes for a decent Dynasty stash.

Converting from wide receiver, Ausberry is “noticeably bigger” in the upper body to aid in those situations when he does find himself blocking. With Kevin Boss out of the picture, Ausberry may emerge as Oakland’s primary pass-catching tight end. The position will take a backseat to wide receiver in Greg Knapp’s offense.

Ausberry is working with the first-team offense at OTAs, but is likely to be spelled as a run blocker and in pass protection. The Raiders project as a conservative, run-balanced offense under new OC Greg Knapp, with limited tight end production. Brandon Myers and FB/TE Richard Gordon figure to be used in a platoon with Ausberry, as role-specific players with starting experience.

Ausberry says he’s up to 265 pounds, 20 over his listed weight. Although coach Dennis Allen believes Ausberry has the potential to be an every-down tight end, his 2012 fantasy ceiling is limited by an expected platoon with Brandon Myers and Richard Gordon, to go with new OC Greg Knapp’s run-heavy approach.

Oakland is set to lose Brandon Myers in free agency, and they’re going to need a replacement. Ausberry and Gordon aren’t those guys. The Chronicle says free agents Anthony Fasano and Kevin Boss “might want to keep their cell line open.”

Ausberry has been sidelined since the second preseason game and still can’t practice. LT Menelik Watson (knee) also remained out Wednesday. The Raiders will be forced to start blocking TE Jeron Mastrud again if Ausberry doesn’t return in Week 2.

He’s not going to suit up for Week 2, and should be considered questionable at best for Week 3. Ausberry has some pass-catching upside, but it’s hard to see him making a fantasy impact upon his return.

Ausberry will be the Raiders’ starting tight end when healthy, but he’s looking doubtful for Week 3. With Watson expected to miss roughly a month, Oakland is shifting RT Khalif Barnes to the blindside and inserting Tony Pashos at right tackle. It’s not a good situation for Terrelle Pryor, who’s going to have to rely on his legs to move the ball Sunday.

Ausberry, out since the second preseason game, has yet to resume practicing. Jeron Mastrud and Mychal Rivera will continue to fill in for now. Ausberry will return as the Raiders’ starting tight end when healthy.