Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is officially doubtful to play Sunday versus the Cardinals, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him until Week 17 at the absolute earliest. That's because, as the Detroit Free Press reported Friday, Pettigrew suffered a high ankle sprain early in last week's loss to the Packers. Pettigrew didn't practice this week and will likely be replaced by Tony Scheffler in the starting lineup.
Fantasy Analysis:
Pettigrew said after that game that he was "fine," but you know how players are when it comes to their own health. They're always "fine." But it was telling when Pettigrew couldn't return to the game despite leaving in the first quarter, and he is obviously not fine. You should expect him to miss at least 2-3 games, so you can safely drop Brandon from your roster. Scheffler caught a touchdown in that Packers game but little else. However, if you are really struggling to find a tight end this week -- and that's certainly possible considering how the position at large has done many people no favors this year -- Scheffler is worth a look against a Cardinals defense that is merely average at guarding tight ends.
