The NFL has suspended Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery four games for violating the league's PED policy. Jeffery, who has caught 40 passes for 630 yards in nine games this season, is eligible to return Week 15.
What this means for the fantasy football world is rather clear. Jeffery was being relied on as a WR2 option in terms of his predraft ADP. That's not something you can replace on a whim this late in the season. It does, however, offer you an ability to potentially stream another Bears receiver in Jeffery's stead until he returns.
And in reality, that might be the best-case scenario here. Jeffery isn't injured. He's just suspended. He will return Week 15 and could potentially provide you a spark in the fantasy playoffs.
At this point, it's all about getting to the playoffs and finding yourself in the best position once you get there.
That's where Cameron Meredith comes into play. He'll definitely see an uptick in targets from Jay Cutler with Jeffery out. And in reality, that would be the best-case scenario for you. Meredith has been targeted just six times, coming away with three catches, in the past three games.
Prior to that, the second-year receiver caught 20-of-27 targets for 243 yards in his previous two games. It's a clear numbers game here. And Meredith has to see an uptick in targets with few options at Cutler's disposal. Once Jeffery returns, you can go back to him as a WR2 or FLEX option.