Saints WR Brown (hammy), TE Fant (abdomen) limited

Fant was originally listed as questionable but is ultimately unable to go, shocking fantasy managers that took a gamble on him following his two-touchdown game a week ago. Rookie Oscar Delp appears most likely to serve as the next man up while starter Juwan Johnson could take on additional volume at the position. Also inactive for the Saints are QB Zach Wilson, CB Decamerion Richardson, EDGE Anfernee Jennings, DL Christen Miller, LB Kaden Elliss, and EDGE Carl Granderson.

So too is LB Pete Werner, while LB Kaden Elliss, DE Carl Granderson, and DEAnfernee Jennings have been ruled out. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp would be in line to see additional run alongside Juwan Johnson, should Fant be unable to play.

Fant chipped in two touchdowns in a game that tied an NFL record for tight end touchdowns with six. His first was on a three-yard slant. His second was an impressive catch-and-run play via play-action from 16 yards out. Fant is not on the starting radar next week against the Falcons.

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.

The Saints will be without their gadget wide receiver and return specialist. His absence should allow WR Bryce Lance to consolidate routes in the No. 3 wide receiver role, but Lance is only a 14-team dart throw. Hopefully, Brown is back at it next week.

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.