New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) is still on injured reserve due to a chest injury he picked up in Week 7. We're now heading into Week 12, and the Jets are on bye this week, so with Lazard's return drawing closer, it's fair to question his position in the Jets new WR hierarchy.
Gang Green traded for wideout Davante Adams, creating a reunion between one of the most prolific WR/QB duos in NFL history. The two played together for eight seasons, resulting in Adams catching 73 touchdowns over that span, if that gives you any idea.
So will Lazard be a starter when he returns?
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Will Allen Lazard Start for the Jets When He Returns?
There's no question he will be a starter, but it's unclear what his position in the pass-catching hierarchy will be and how many targets he'll earn once he's back. WR Garrett Wilson and Adams will get their targets without a doubt. No. 10 enjoyed four games with seven or more targets in Weeks 1-6, before the Adams trade.
Aaron Rodgers hits the hail mary to Allen Lazard pic.twitter.com/SWD7uIvbyY
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) October 15, 2024
He's had a nice season so far. Five touchdowns and 412 yards on just 30 receptions is an impressive stat line for a player that was thought to be a non-factor this season. The chemistry he's shown with his quarterback is undeniable, but there's serious competition for targets now.
It's hard to see him being the priority on the field in 2WR sets, but the team could opt to run more formations with three wideouts. It will be important to pay attention to snap counts moving forward.
Allen Lazard Fantasy Football Outlook
He'll likely have a capped ceiling with even more boom-or-bust potential (on the bust side). But he should still maintain WR3/FLEX value in deeper leagues. In leagues with 10 or fewer teams, he's probably not worth starting. Running back Breece Hall was targeted seven times last game, so he's another player bringing competition in the receiving game.
Aaron Rodgers on going from Davante Adams to Allen Lazard as WR1:
“I mean it’s always tough going from Hall of Famer to Hall of Famer. From Davante to Allen, it’s gonna be a transition, but he’s capable of a lot.” pic.twitter.com/pBveMG5Qqh
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) July 27, 2022
Rodgers has loved both his guys for a while, so he'll make sure he gets the ball to both of them.
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