Fantasy Impact: Chris Henry Returns

August 21, 2008 at 7:38 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Fantasy Impact: Chris Henry Returns During his first two seasons in the NFL, a young, 6’4”, 200 lb. physically gifted WR out of West Virginia named Chris Henry looked like an up and coming player with superstar fantasy potential. Not only was he big and talented, but he played on a team – the Cincinnati Bengals – that had one of the most explosive passing offenses in the league. Fantasy owners saw his potential in 2006 as he caught 36 balls for 605 yards and nine TDs as Cincy’s third WR. He looked like a player who would play a key role for years to come..

The only thing that came, however, was off-the-field trouble. Henry had 13 run-ins with the law from December 15, 2005 through March 31, 2008.

Fantasy owners waited for him through the first eight games of 2007, after he was suspended for the second time for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Believe it or not, he actually had a few fantasy worthy games upon his return, his second game back, when he hauled in eight passes for 81 yards and a score in Week 11 against Arizona. The kid can flat out play, but the issue is that he’s a train wreck off the field.

Henry was finally waived by the Bengals in March, just prior to the NFL Draft, prompting the team to select Andre Caldwell (Florida) and Jerome Simpson (Coastal Carolina) early on to compete to fill the third WR role behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

However, two main factors have recently led to Cincy re-signing the 25 year old talent –

1. The league announced that they would only suspend him four games, not a full season, after his most recent arrest was ruled a case of mistaken identity.
2. A recent shoulder injury to Chad Johnson

I know, I know, the Bengals are saying that Chad’s shoulder will be fine for Week 1, however, people have to realize that the NFL is all “what have you done for me lately” and the fact of the matter is that Chad isn’t in there right now, when Carson Palmer really needs him to be as the team prepares for the season.

Henry is a familiar face who should jump right in and play well in practice and perhaps even finish off the preseason strongly.

Although Simpson caught five passes for 114 yards against the Lions in preseason Week 2, there’s no doubt Henry will step in and at worst win the WR3 job in Cincy. However, fantasy owners must keep in mind that Henry still has to serve a four game suspension. Seasonal owners need to realize that this is a huge chunk of the season, especially in leagues that have playoff formats starting in Week 13 or beyond. In other words, Henry isn’t worth drafting for seasonal owners, he’s a player to leave on the waiver wire until Week 4 or Week 5, just before he’s scheduled to come back from suspension.

Should dynasty owners give him a roster spot?

Well, the probability of him getting in trouble again seems high, so dynasty owners shouldn’t rely on him by any means. When comparing him to a rookie such as St. Louis’ Donnie Avery, Green Bay’s Jordy Nelson or Denver’s Eddie Royal, however, Henry looks just as roster worthy. In other words, in deep dynasty formats – especially non-PPR leagues – he’s once again worth stashing away with hopes he’ll clean up his act.

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