Naaman

Roosevelt

Roosevelt caught nine passes for 139 yards in six games as an undrafted rookie last season. The hometown favorite will function as the Bills’ fifth receiver with Roscoe Parrish out for the season.

Naaman Roosevelt took over in the slot. Nelson said it was his first time playing outside since college, and he predictably struggled. Much of Nelson’s fantasy appeal stemmed from his role as the slot man in Chan Gailey’s spread scheme, so there’s reason for concern here. Nelson already had a yellow flag thanks to his three catches for 24 yards over the last two weeks.

Jones’ absence thrusts David Nelson into the starting lineup opposite Stevie Johnson, and leaves Naaman Roosevelt as the No. 3 wideout in Buffalo’s injury-riddled receiver corps. Nelson was quiet after Jones went down Sunday, but should see the biggest boost in targets. Roosevelt is an intriguing flier after hauling in five passes for 41 yards against the Eagles, but is only three weeks removed from the practice squad. Johnson and Nelson are the only two Bills pass catchers worth starting in fantasy leagues right now.

The Bills needed somebody to step up after Donald Jones left with an ankle injury midway through the first quarter, and that’s exactly what Roosevelt did, hauling in all five of his catches after the first period. Undoubtedly an excellent day for a player who entered the afternoon with just one catch for 28 yards, but not one that is likely to be repeated unless Jones is sidelined for an extended period. Even then, Roosevelt would be little more than a low-upside flier for players in PPR leagues.

With Donald Jones (ankle) out 4-6 weeks, Lee Evans in Baltimore, and Roscoe Parrish (ankle) and Marcus Easley (heart) both on I.R., the Bills are scraping the bottom of the barrel. The slot receiver in Chan Gailey’s offense has PPR appeal, but Roosevelt is a replacement-level player. He’s just a flier in fantasy.

Jones likely has a high-ankle sprain at a minimum. That would leave Naaman Roosevelt as the Bills’ No. 3 receiver going forward as both Marcus Easley and Roscoe Parrish are done for the season. We should know more on Jones’ status by this afternoon.

It’s a big step after Roosevelt failed to step on the practice field last week. If he’s able to go again on Thursday, he’ll likely be better than 50-50 to suit up against the Titans. Roosevelt still won’t be a fantasy option.

Roosevelt has fallen behind Brad Smith, so he’s a healthy scratch. Scott Chandler (ankle) is also inactive, as expected. The rest of the Bills’ inactives: DB Josh Nesbitt, OL Sam Young, DL Jarron Gilbert, WR Kamar Aiken and TE Fendi Onobun.

Jones is forecasted to miss 3-6 weeks with his second high ankle sprain of the season, meaning that even in the best-case scenario he wouldn’t be back before Week 15. With C.J. Spiller expected to return to running back this week, Naaman Roosevelt should see a big increase in snaps in Jones’ absence.

Roosevelt is ready to serve as the No. 4 receiver. Stevie Johnson and Brad Smith will start out wide, with David Nelson in the slot. The Bills will be without K Rian Lindell (shoulder), giving Dave Rayner another shot. The rest of their inactives: WR Derek Hagan, WR Kamar Aiken, T Sam Young, DE Kyle Moore, LB Antonio Coleman and S George Wilson.