Eddie

Royal

Royal burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2008 with a monster Week 1 performance, catching nine passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. Three years later and he’s nowhere close to the fantasy radar. There’s a good chance he gets passed by Eric Decker on the depth chart before long, though both will start when Denver goes three wide. Still, he’s not worth owning in any format.

We’ve seen Jones write this both in her blog and on Twitter. An extended absence could push Eric Decker into the lineup for good opposite Brandon Lloyd. Demaryius Thomas (hand, Achilles’) isn’t close to returning, and Tim Tebow isn’t a long-term option at slot receiver. Look for the Broncos to sign a wideout this week. They opened the year with only four healthy receivers.

The Denver Post has no further details. Like hamstring injuries, groin ailments can linger and are highly susceptible to setbacks. We’d recommend to pick up Eric Decker, who’s scored three of the Broncos’ first five touchdowns on the season. Royal could return without a role on offense. Decker is a much better option, and Demaryius Thomas (Achilles, hand) could conceivably beat him back to the field. Royal can be dropped in all leagues.

If Royal isn’t ready at the front end of his 2-4 week timetable, it would make sense to let him rest through the bye. That would put his return date at October 23 and cost him three games. Regardless, Royal’s starting job will likely be confiscated by Eric Decker no matter when he returns. Royal belongs on waivers in fantasy.

Demaryius Thomas (Achillies, pinkie) is also expected back. We know that Brandon Lloyd will continue to be the No. 1 receiver, but the secondary spot currently held by Eric Decker is up in the air. “We’re going to visit all that,” said Broncos VP John Elway. “We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

He saw four targets. Royal seemed to rotate snaps with Demaryius Thomas, who saw 10 targets to the “starter’s” four. Royal just isn’t worth a roster spot in 12-team fantasy leagues. He offers no upside in a run-heavy offense.

The Union-Tribune San Diego said the Chargers’ odds of landing Royal were “pretty good” in a Wednesday evening. Royal would likely be no higher than fourth on the depth chart with either team.

Royal drew initial interest from the Ravens and 49ers, but the final decision came down to the Bolts versus Redskins. Once players visit San Diego, they rarely get away. Able to play the slot and return punts, Royal is a nice complement to outside receivers and vertical threats Robert Meachem, Malcom Floyd, and Vincent Brown. He won’t be draftable in fantasy leagues. It will be interesting to find out why Royal got away from the Redskins are multiple reports that he had signed early in free agency.

Robert Meachem, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown and Eddie Royal are essentially locked in as the top four receivers. Parrish will have to prove he’s healthy and effective in training camp to nail down a roster spot as the fifth receiver and punt returner.

Royal was rumored to have inked a two-year pact with Washington before signing with the Bolts. It’s likely he would have reunited with coach Mike Shanahan had the money been right. Coach Norv Turner believes Royal could help Philip Rivers add “six or eight more points” to his 62.9 2011 completion percentage, and that his adeptness in the slot will take pressure off Antonio Gates. That’s an overly optimistic view on things, but Royal will be worth monitoring as a WR3 in 10-12 team leagues.