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Fantasy File Running scared: Injury plague hits many backs
By James Quintong, CNNSI.com The Fantasy File already has an injury watch to track hurt players that could affect your fantasy team. After last Sunday's action, injuries have moved center stage. You'd be hard-pressed to come up with a week when so many starting running backs got knocked out of the lineup. This is a time that really tests whether you drafted well in terms of depth at the running back spot, which usually isn't available. Just like those people who might have drafted Stacey Mack or Correll Buckhalter early on probably came through reasonably well when Fred Taylor and Duce Staley (both injury risks to begin with), those who drafted Shaun Alexander behind Ricky Watters are probably smiling this week. However, most people didn't go for the depth or the backups behind the stars and thus the waiver wire will be a very busy place this week with lots of players getting swooped up. Let's take a look at the casualty report at running back from this weekend's action, who took over and what the future holds for those backs:
And for what it's worth, both Mack and Buckhalter played very well as starters on Sunday, although both went against questionable defenses. So the futures do look reasonably bright for these backups. While we're on the subject of lesser-known running backs, don't take too much stock into the numbers put up by either St. Louis' Trung Canidate or Dallas' Troy Hambrick just yet. Both of them did their damage during garbage time, but it does show what they can do with some playing time. Canidate is a speed demon who could do some damage if Faulk goes down and he stays healthy. Hambrick was playing primarily against the Eagles' second-teamers and probably isn't worth the time unless Emmitt Smith gets hurt, although after last week, anything can happen.
Monday's bestGarrison Hearst, RB, 49ers (20 carries, 95 yards; 3 catches, 28 yards): After struggling the first two weeks, Hearst finally showed the form from 1998 in which he rushed for 1,570 yards. Despite his good game, rookie Kevan Barlow is nipping at his heels as he rushed for 83 yards on just nine carries. This situation could soon look like the Denver situation with two good backs sharing the ball and splitting the stats.
Monday's worstVinny Testaverde, QB, Jets (11-24, 192 yards): He did connect on a handful of nice plays to his receivers, as well as Curtis Martin, but he still looked very lost operating the offense for the most part. That will definitely hurt his value as well as that of his receivers if he can't find them on a consistent basis. Martin had the best fantasy game on Monday night, and he looks to be the only thing on the Jets offense that shows any consistency.
Bye week watchOriginally the Cowboys and Raiders were to be off this week, but their game scheduled for Oct. 21 was moved to this weekend because Oakland's stadium could be used to host an A's playoff game. So only one team is off this week, but it's a big one as it's the Indianapolis Colts. However, after last week's substandard effort against the Patriots, it's probably best that they're off. So remember to find your replacements for Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Marvin Harrison, Jerome Pathon and Mike Vanderjagt.
Injury watchOther than all of the banged-up running backs, there were a handful of injuries to other skill position players that could affect your squad: Mark Brunell, QB, Jaguars: He got his bell rung big time on what appeared to be a late hit by Cleveland's Gerard Warren. His status is still up in the air this week. Jonathan Quinn was only mildly effective in his place and probably should be avoided if you have better options on your team. Cam Cleeland, TE, Saints: An Achilles injury limited his game last Sunday, resulting in no catches. He's one of the better tight ends if he's healthy, but that's a huge if. And right now, it looks like he may not go on Sunday. Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks: Things haven't been pretty for Hasselbeck, who's suffering from a groin injury he sustained against the Raiders last Sunday. He's not sure if he'll be ready to go on Sunday, which means Trent Dilfer would be the starter. Neither option would be worth your time for now. Ike Hilliard, WR, Giants: That bum toe acted up on him again as he saw just limited action against the Saints. Joe Jurevicius, who scored on a long TD on Sunday, will get the start and could be a decent play in deeper fantasy leagues. Rob Johnson, QB, Bills: Guess what, Johnson is hurt again. What a surprise, given all the hits and sacks he's already taken this year. He has some bruised ribs after the game against the Steelers. Put him on the bench as the Buffalo offense is very lost. Tony Richardson, RB, Chiefs: He injured his shoulder against the Redskins but still came away with a touchdown. It's possible Richardson could miss this week's game, further cementing Priest Holmes' grip on the featured back role. James Quintong is Fantasy Sports producer at CNNSI.com.
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