Sammy

Watkins

It’s that time of year again, where Watkins pops up out of obscurity to perhaps join an NFL team late in the season. Watkins was signed off of waivers by the Ravens last December after being released by the Packers and totaled 16 receptions for 325 yards in 12 games. The veteran receiver could provide added depth to a Colts receiver room that’s thin behind Michael Pittman and Josh Downs, but won’t be on the fantasy radar any time soon.

Watkins reunited with the Ravens following Week 15 of the regular season after being released by the Packers and played only a situational role down the stretch. It is likely his time back in Baltimore has come to an end with the talent of Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman returning to the team in 2023, each of whom were lost to injury in 2022.

Through three games with the Ravens, Watkins has caught three passes for 109 yards. His longest play on Sunday, which came on a 47-yard reception down the right sideline, ended in disaster. Looking to gain additional yards, Watkins would have the ball punched out by Cam Taylor-Britt, only for Cincinnati to recover the ball and end one of Baltimore’s few promising drives on the day. Watkins has shown some flash in his second stint with the Ravens, but is just as inconsistent as any other receiver in this offense.

Watkins was claimed off waivers by the Ravens early in the week and contributed to one great play. On that play, Watkins beat his defender down the right sideline for a 40-yard reception, only to never be heard from again. Like every other Ravens receiver, it’s unlikely Watkins offers little to no fantasy upside in the final few weeks of the regular season.

Watkins had barely been active in Weeks 12 and 13, but unlike in Green Bay, young receivers are not stepping up and claiming big shares of playing time in Baltimore. In fact, DeSean Jackson is playing! Watkins’ second tour of duty with the Ravens will likely end with him getting a part-time role that makes him fantasy irrelevant, but we’ll keep an open mind if he actually starts producing in the box score.

Watkins will pass through waivers and, if he remains unclaimed, will be free to sign with any team. Watkins is only 29, but his career appears to be winding down after unimpressive stints with the Ravens last year and the Packers this season. In seven games with Green Bay, Watkins caught 13 passes for 206 yards. He hasn’t topped 700 yards since 2015. With Romeo Doubs returning from injury, Watkins faced a playing time squeeze with the Packers. He may catch on as a depth option elsewhere.

Watkins was third in targets behind Christian Watson (8) and Allen Lazard (4) as a mainstay in three-receiver sets for the slow-paced, run-first Green Bay offense. Watkins caught a critical pass in the fourth quarter in the red zone, only to run three yards backward and lose what would have been a first down. As middling as ever, Watkins isn’t a fantasy option outside the deepest fantasy formats.

Watkins was upgraded from a DNP on Wednesday to consecutive limited practices to close the week. Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Watkins’ health has been part of the reason he hasn’t gotten the ball much since returning from injured reserve in Week 7. Watkins isn’t worth starting in all but the deepest of fantasy leagues this week.

Watkins was officially listed as “limited,” but coach Matt LaFleur has made it clear this is mostly maintenance. Watkins will be out there against the Cowboys, but the question, as always, will be his effectiveness. He continued to appear to have anti-chemistry with Aaron Rodgers in Week 9. He isn’t worth a WR5 play against Dallas’ elite defense.

Watkins did not practice Wednesday because of knee issue, though his absence was likely part of a maintenance plan for the veteran receiver. LaFleur said the lingering health issues are part of the reason Watkins hasn’t done much since returning from injured reserve in Week 7. Watkins missed four games because of a hamstring injury while on injured reserve. He has four catches in his three games since being activated.