Tony

Scheffler

The rookie connected with fellow first-year man Jay Cutler on a six-yard TD in the second quarter. Scheffler has been very impressive in the preseason and could have a chance to start. He’s on the fantasy radar, albeit undraftable as a rookie in most leagues.

The second-round rookie caught a six-yard pass on the game’s first play from scrimmage. Stephen Alexander was active, so Scheffler may have passed the veteran on Denver’s depth chart.

He’ll return after a one-game absence. Scheffler, who was concussed early in Week 5, was being used infrequently before the injury and had caught just four passes in five appearances. He won’t be a fantasy option against Atlanta.

Pettigew was targeted four times as a dumpoff option, but never broke free down the seam. Tony Scheffler (3 catches, 38 yards, TD) had a bigger role as a downfield threat, though that may have been a nod to his Denver return. Pettigrew is on pace for an 82/720/4 line heading into the Week 9 bye.

Schwartz assured both players were “fine” after a thundering encounter that left Smith momentarily staggered. Unless Smith wakes up with unusual soreness Thursday, it appears he escaped the incident without tweaking the ankle injury that’s dogged him since Thanksgiving. As long as he’s healthy, Smith will dominate the snaps in Detroit’s backfield against the Saints.

He’s now got touchdowns in back-to-back games. Scheffler has the talent to be an impact fantasy player, but he only plays about 33 percent of the Lions’ offensive snaps on a weekly basis. He’s not remotely a TE1 in fantasy.

Scheffler has been insignificant in fantasy leagues this season, as suggested by the fact that he doesn’t have a post-game Rotoworld blurb since Week 10. He does have talent, though, and made his touchdown catch in triple coverage against Green Bay. Scheffler’s 65 yards were a season high.

Scheffler was a part-time player in 2011, appearing mostly as a slot receiver on passing downs and seeing 42 targets all season. With Titus Young coming on and Brandon Pettigrew entrenched, it’s hard to believe Linehan here. Owners should be reaching higher for their TE2.

Per beat writer Anwar Richardson, Scheffler “continues to make spectacular touchdown catches, and always finds a way to get open.” Scheffler drew offseason praise from OC Scott Linehan, but it’s hard to see him dramatically improving upon his 18/286/4 line from last season. He’s firmly behind Brandon Pettigrew on the depth chart, and in Rotoworld’s tight end rankings.

Scheffler was inactive for Week 3 after making six catches for 43 yards across Detroit’s first two games. He’s unlikely to suit up against the Vikings.