Saints rule out WR Barion Brown (hamstring) Week 3

Fant sat out in Week 4 after scoring two touchdowns in Week 3. He is not fantasy-relevant on his own, but he can serve as a checkdown option for Tyler Shough. The Saints labeled WR Barion Brown (thigh) questionable to play this week.

Both Brown and TE Noah Fant (abdomen) were limited today, putting them tentatively on track to play on Monday night against the Falcons. Neither player belongs in fantasy lineups, but their presence is helpful for QB Tyler Shough.

The Saints will be without their gadget player and return specialist, teeing up WR Bryce Lance for the full-time No. 3 wide receiver role. Brown is not relevant in 12-team leagues, though he may be missed by the Saints. Emerson, the Saints’ No. 3 cornerback, is sidelined by a shoulder injury.

It seems like Brown is very unlikely to play at this point. His agility and long speed define his game as a gadget player and return specialist. His absence could benefit WR2 Devaughn Vele and WR Bryce Lance.

Brown generally contributes as a gadget receiver and in the return game. Were he to sit out in Week 3, his absence would likely be a bigger deal for the Saints than it would be for fantasy managers.

Lance could have the inside track for the Saints’ short-term No. 3 wide receiver job with WR Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) sidelined, though WR Barion Brown will almost assuredly make the roster as a receiver and returner. Lance nearly added a decent, leaping downfield gain to his box score, but QB Spencer Rattler’s pass grazed off his fingertips along the sideline. Brown was not involved as a receiver today, but rushed twice for 19 yards and one touchdown, including an eight-yard jet sweep that got him into the end zone. He also returned one punt for four yards.

Triplett was apparently surprised to see reporters wondering whether the Saints should bring a veteran receiver aboard. According to him, the Saints had nine legitimate wide receiver candidates to make the final roster, with rookie WRs Bryce Lance and Barion Brown leading the charge. Per Triplett, Lance “is coming on faster than anyone else,” though Brown notably surged early in camp. Lance does not play on special teams, which could make him an ideal No. 3 wide receiver. Triplett also believes the Saints should design a package of plays for the speedy Brown, who WR Chris Olave said is “basically the same player” as former Saints WR Rashid Shaheed. For deep league fantasy managers, Lance could be worth a late-round dart throw. Both players should be rostered in dynasty.

Per Underhill, Brown’s “momentum is undeniable,” and “it would be a surprise if Brown doesn’t play himself into a role on offense.” It sounds like making the final roster is a box that’s already been checked for the sixth-round rookie. He notably took reps with QB Tyler Shough on Thursday. Although Brown could have a very tough time becoming fantasy-relevant in re-draft formats, he is a player to know for dynasty purposes.

After three seasons with Kentucky, Brown (5’11"/177) concluded his college career with LSU. He tallied 32 carries throughout four seasons in addition to 175 career receptions and 65 career kick returns. Both Kentucky and LSU’s utilization of him showed Brown’s speed as an open space ball-carrier. Though he ran a speedy 4.40 40-yard dash at the combine, a relatively slow 1.62 10-yard split shows he is more a deep sprinter than a between-the-sticks route runner. Brown’s ability to slash downfield will be more prevalent than his route tree at the NFL level. With kick return experience under his belt, Brown can crack a roster through special teams while competing for a depth receiver spot.