An already banged-up Giants offense could be without one of their best playmakers this week. Wide receiver Darius Slayton is unlikely to suit up on Thursday vs. the Eagles, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The veteran’s absence is a big loss on a number of levels for New York. Already without star wideout Malik Nabers (knee), this leaves the Giants with few reliable pass-catchers. Other than Wan’Dale Robinson, there aren’t many receivers casual football fans will recognize on this roster.
Could Theo Johnson step up in Slayton’s absence vs. Philadelphia? The tight end has hauled in three touchdowns over the past two weeks. However, he’s a second-year pro without much history of consistent production. Should fantasy football managers take a chance on Thursday night?
Theo Johnson fantasy football outlook
Despite his modest fourth-round draft selection, Theo Johnson has massive upside. At 6’6″ and 265 pounds, the tight end offers a rare blend of physicality and athleticism. However, dating back to his days at Penn State, Johnson has never been a featured part of any offense.
That was until the Giants decided to make a quarterback change, substituting Russell Wilson with rookie Jaxson Dart. The inexperienced passer has looked towards the tight end position early and often through two starts. During that time Johnson has recorded nine catches for 50 yards and three touchdowns.
Obviously, that level of scoring output isn’t sustainable, Still, there’s something to be said about a player with a nose for the end zone. In addition, Johnson has seen 22 targets already this season. He joins Robinson and running back Cam Skattebo as the only healthy Giants to see double-digit targets.
In most matchups, those numbers alone would make Johnson fantasy-viable at a thin position. However, Thursday’s matchup isn’t against just any other team. The Eagles are a defensive menace, especially in the middle of the field. Philadelphia has held opposing tight ends to the fourth-fewest fantasy points in football this season.
A rookie QB in primetime against the defending Super Bowl champs? Things could get ugly fast for Big Blue. Regardless, an early deficit should lead to a pass-first approach. That could mean plenty of targets for New York’s remaining receivers. Johnson already had TD upside; that alone makes him worth consideration this week. Now, with Slayton sidelined, the Canadian might emerge as a threat outside of the red zone. The Giants should make a strong effort to get their under the radar tight end involved on Thursday.
