Julius

Thomas

Per Caplan, the Jags are “trying to give Blake Bortles as much help as they can.” Thomas, albeit injury prone, would be a nice addition to a corps of skill players already heavy on young talent at receiver.

If true, it’s a major setback to the exciting tight end prospect. Although Thomas wasn’t going to have a major fantasy impact this season, the fourth-round rookie was pushing Daniel Fells for reps and flashing impressive raw talent. A true high ankle sprain would cost Thomas multiple weeks.

Thomas lasted just five snaps as he turned the ankle on a five-yard reception. The highly talented yet raw rookie was sharing reps with Daniel Fells at the tight end spot, but Fells ended up with just one 9-yard catch on the day.

Houston’s free-agent exodus continues unabated. A fine all-around tight end, Dreessen has received high marks from Pro Football Focus for receiving and blocking the past couple of years. He’s also proven capable of high-end TE2 fantasy numbers while filling in for Owen Daniels. His 2012 value depends on whether the Broncos add Dallas Clark or Jacob Tamme to the mix. Garrett Graham ascends to the No. 2 role in Houston unless a fullback is signed to free up James Casey. Second-year TE Julius Thomas may need to stay in the incubator for another year in Denver.

Surgery was performed by noted foot doctor Robert Anderson. Thomas will be limited throughout Denver’s offseason program, but should be healthy in time for training camp. A former basketball player and fourth-round pick in 2011, Thomas finished his rookie season with one catch. He’ll vie for playing time with Virgil Green and Joel Dreessen behind Jacob Tamme this summer.

Actions speak louder than words, though. The Broncos have signed Joel Dreessen and Jacob Tamme, leaving Thomas to “battle his way into the lineup.” While we remain high on Thomas’ Dynasty value, his 2012 prospects are bleak. Peyton Manning will show more trust in the two veterans who are more advanced route runners.

Thomas, a fourth-round project out of Portland State, finished the regular season with just one catch for five yards in five appearances. Dawkins will be replaced by a combo of David Bruton, and rookies Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore.

The Broncos’ tight end production declined because the pass attempts fell off under Tebow, but he also looked their way less while hitting his primary read. While Julius Thomas flashed play-making ability in training camp last summer, his breakout potential takes a big hit with Tebow set to start in 2012.

Thomas has been practicing fully, so he’s a healthy scratch. On the weather front, the Denver Post notes that a wind that was blowing strong early in the afternoon has “died down some” over the past hour or two. We wouldn’t make the elements a deciding factor in any fantasy decision.

Now healthy, Thomas has dropped to fourth on the depth chart at tight end after missing over a month with a high ankle sprain.