Well, receivers get hurt too. And while many times the starter on the opposite side steps up, sometimes it can be the team’s No.3 guy, who surprises everyone.

Knowing whether a team’s No.3 can perform at a high level, if given a chance, could be a fantastic advantage should one of the starters get hurt. They don’t “cost” much to put on your roster. In fact, the highest No.3 receiver I found has an ADP of 105. That’s Ricky Pearsall, and part of the reason he’s there is that no one expected Brandon Aiyuk to be ready to start the season. Pearsall and Jauan Jennings (calf) will likely be the Week 1 starters. Pearsall could have a month to prove his worth.

But what of all the other No.3 guys, who won’t start the season with a full workload? Which ones might be able to help you through a No.1 or No.2 starter injury?

Let’s take a look at the table below. That’s each team’s No.3 receiver based on a composite of current ADPs. Some are rookies, some are early in their careers and a few veterans are on the downside of their career, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help you.

Remember how then rookie Jalen McMillan stepped up last season? From Week 14-18 (which obviously includes the fantasy playoffs) he averaged 19.8 FPts/G. Coincidently, that’s almost exactly what Chris Godwin averaged for his seven games last season (19.7). McMillan was the perfect “handcuff” for Godwin once he himself returned from injury. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t recommend McMillan for 2025 since the Buccaneers spent a high-draft choice on Ohio State star Emeka Egbuka and all reports from Florida have been effusive in their praise of the rookie. Egbuka should be drafted as a handcuff (ADP 117) if you have either Mike Evans or Godwin (who is currently on the PUP list).

Below are four more No.3 wide receivers, who given enough targets, could be fantasy-worthy.

Adam Thielen, Carolina, (ADP 170) – Likely stuck behind youngsters Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette, Thielen is the consummate professional. He’s averaged double-digit fantasy points the past nine seasons and late last season he and quarterback Bryce Young seem to be on the same page. From Week 13-17, he averaged 19.3 FPts/G while efficiently catching 32-of-40 targets (80%). That would be championship type production in the 17th round.

DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore, (ADP 187) – After 12 seasons, 984 receptions, 12,965 yards and 83 touchdown catches, Hopkins is on the last part of a fabulous career. He’s now a possession receiver, but should Zay Flowers get injured, Hopkins has the tools to be the over the middle guy opposite deep threat Rashod Bateman. Even as he ages, he’s still caught a touchdown pass every 10.9 receptions since 2021.

Josh Palmer, Buffalo, (211) – In 2022, the Chargers lost Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to injury (big surprise) and for a six-week period he averaged 11.5 FPts/G. He’s never had a real chance to produce on a regular basis. Khalil Shakir is the real deal, but the jury is still out on last year’s second-round pick Keon Coleman (29-556-4) with a catch percentage of 50.9%. Should he disappoint, Palmer could step in a solid role with a quality quarterback.

Demario Douglas, New England, (227) – Douglas is getting little attention and being drafted behind Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams. While the Diggs rating is obvious, Williams, a third-round pick from Washington State, is very raw. That usually translates to a slow start. Douglas, meanwhile, caught 66-of-87 targets thrown his way last season (75.9%), so is trusted by young quarterback Drake Maye and I can easily see him becoming the No.2 guy. Diggs is returning from ACL tear in October and might not be ready to carry the full load in Week 1. Presto, Douglas is the lead receiver and great steal.

So, when you are searching for backup wide receiver depth in the late rounds, remember; Pearsall, Egbuka, Thielen, Hopkins, Palmer and Douglas.