Bowe Suspended; Chambers and Long Rise

The NFL suspended Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe 4 games today for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.  Bowe will miss will miss games against the Steelers, Chargers, Broncos, and Bills.  He’ll then return for the final three games of the year, against the Browns, Bengals, and Broncos.

Bowe leads the team in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (466) and has four touchdowns.

It’s certainly no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs offense has been lackluster, at best.

Sure, Jamaal Charles showed something last week against the Raiders, but that performance doesn’t change the fact that there hasn’t been a Chiefs player worthy of starting on your fantasy team outside of Bowe.

That may have just changed.

It’s clear now that the Chiefs knew Bowe’s suspension was coming and that explains not only why they put in a claim on Chambers, but also got him involved in the offense so quickly.  Look for his role to become even more expanded this week against the Steelers and become a solid No. 2 or 3 fantasy WR in the next few weeks.

Another player to pick up and keep an eye on is Lance Long.

The former Arizona Cardinal already has put up 12 catches in his first three games and that includes leaving one early due to injury.  Matt Cassel has made no secret his feelings about Long.

“He’s a great slot receiver.  He’s got tremendous quickness, he gets in and out of his breaks well, he catches the ball, he’s a tough guy – he’s not afraid to lay in a block on a linebacker or a safety,” Cassel said.  “He’s a great player and he’s been helping us, there’s no doubt about that.”

And he will continue to help the Chiefs now that they will be without their top receiver for the next month and maybe for the rest of the season.

Remember, even when Bowe comes back from his suspension there is no guarantee he will go back to being the Chiefs No. 1 WR.  Todd Haley will be in no hurry to get him involved after he hurt the team with his suspension.

While I wouldn’t tell you either player deserves a starting spot this week, they are both worthy of a roster spot and could help fill a spot as the season goes along.

Tags: Chris Chambers, Dwayne Bowe, Lance Long