Miles Austin continues to disappoint fantasy football owners through three games this season. So far, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver has 15 catches for 125 yards and not a single touchdown. While many were hoping Austin could have a return-to-form season with Dez Bryant completely healthy, things have not panned out as such. After yet another disappointing performance against the St. Louis Rams, a bigger issue could be brewing.
Austin had just two catches for 22 yards on Sunday against the Rams. He left the game in the third quarter due to a hamstring issue and did not return. This has immediately sent red flags flying in the minds of Dallas Cowboys fans and fantasy owners alike. This is the third-straight season Austin has been hampered by a hamstring injury.
Sources report to ESPN.com that this injury is not as serious as past years. Head coach Jason Garrett notes that Austin could have returned in the fourth quarter, but he opted to keep the wide receiver out for the remainder of the game. At the time of the injury, the Cowboys were up 24-0 and Garrett did not see the need for another receiver on the field.
The Cowboys must be cautious when it comes to handling this injury. Austin missed six games in 2011 due to the same injury and he was limited in most games last year as he struggled with hamstring issues. Austin had made it through training camp and preseason without issues, but the recent flare up could spell trouble for the future.
Fantasy owners should proceed with caution when it comes to handling Austin. With Bryant gaining most of the attention from opposing defenses, Austin should have no issues standing out on the field and remaining productive for quarterback Tony Romo. However, that has yet to happen so far this year and the injury is only making matters worse.
ESPN reports the Cowboys will limit Austin's practice time this week and see how things progress throughout the week. There is a chance that he might not be active Week 4 against the Chargers. In that case, rookie Terrance Williams would likely be a starter and Dwayne Harris would get an increased role in the No. 3 slot. Even if Austin is in uniform on Sunday, fantasy owners should re-consider him as a strong fantasy perspective.