Jeremy Shockey will have surgery

September 22, 2008
14:29:34

By Tim Piotrowski
Edited by Tim Heaney

ESPNews reports New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (sports hernia) will undergo sports hernia surgery and will be out three to six weeks.

The Saints traded for Shockey during the offseason and thought he would be able to help out their already high-powered offense. He has been productive early in the season with 16 receptions for 151 yards in three games, but he has not found the end zone. He has at least five catches and 50 yards in two of the three games.

Shockey has been pretty healthy the last four seasons, playing at least 14 games in each of those campaigns. He missed the last two regular season games and the playoffs last season after suffering a broken leg. He was coming off a bit of a down year in 2007. He caught 57 passes for 619 yards and only three touchdowns in those 14 games.

From a fantasy perspective, Shockey continues to be one of the better producers at the position. Owners who have Shockey should stash him on their benches because will be able to return this season and should be able to produce in the second half of the season. Be aware of his injury history, though, and be sure to secure a long-term replacement.

The Saints will likely use tight end Billy Miller to replace Shockey for the time being. New Orleans hadn't utilized the tight end frequently before acquiring Shockey, but Miller had two catches for 41 yards in Week 3.

Miller could be used more often because of the injuries to Shockey and wide receiver Marques Colston (thumb). Don't count on it, but keep Miller on your watch list.