Colts WR Pierre Garcon is competing for the No. 3 receiver job. (Michael Conroy / Associated Press)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last year, you probably know the name Pierre Thomas. The Saints running back with the unique first name became a fantasy star last season, putting up career numbers and helping countless owners win a title.

Now he has a namesake in fantasy land.

No, he won’t make the same impact in fantasy circles as Thomas, but Colts WR Pierre Garcon is starting to warrant late-round consideration in leagues with 12-plus teams.

Garcon, a second-year pro out of Mount Union, appears to be the favorite to open this season in a prominent role for the Colts. The team released Roy Hall on Thursday, leaving Garcon and Austin Collie to compete for the No. 3 reciever spot.

Furthermore, there have been reports that if Garcon wins the role, he could wind up at split end opposite Reggie Wayne. That would allow Anthony Gonzalez to remain in the slot and still see an increase in receptions.

Third receivers have found success in Indianapolis in the past. Gonzalez has been a viable fantasy option the past two seasons, and Brandon Stokley posted 1,077 yards and 10 touchdowns in that role in 2004. That has much to do with the presence of Peyton Manning, who makes virtually any wideout better because of his intelligence, experience and laser right arm.

So while it might sound like you’re calling out the name of a French chef, Garcon could become a viable late-round selections in fantasy drafts.

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