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Fantasy File Injury bug tests depths of fantasy rosters
By James Quintong, CNNSI.com And you thought the Marshall Faulk injury was a big blow. This past Sunday, thanks to some key injuries, a number of rookies and lesser-regarded young players emerged. Let's take a look at what it means: Tim Biakabutuka lost for the season with a broken foot: Not surprisingly, Biakabutuka had his best game of the year against the iffy Redskins. Unfortunately, his best game was his last game of the year. Carolina had already been trying out other running backs earlier because of Biakabutuka's injury and fumbling problems. Richard Huntley may finally get the starting nod, while Nick Goings' value goes up again as the No. 2 back. Marcus Robinson out for the season with torn knee ligaments: Injuries had limited his output all season long, so in an odd way, this saves fantasy owners the trouble of having to worry whether he's healthy. Now it's time to find a replacement. Robinson's injury opens the door for David Terrell, the Bears' first-round pick. Terrell looked good in Robinson's place, which is a good sign, given his struggles early in the year. On a related note, Terrell's Michigan teammate, Anthony Thomas, has yet to be handed the full-time job despite his 188-yard effort Sunday. However, given that last effort, if you've got Thomas on your squad, he's worth starting (depending on your other options, of course). Germane Crowell done for the year with a knee injury: First, Herman Moore, now Crowell. Definitely some bad luck for Virginia receivers now with the Lions. Johnnie Morton will get the bulk of the catches while Larry Foster and Desmond Howard see more time as well. Pass on Foster and Howard for now, although Charlie Batch could be throwing their way a lot if they Lions fall behind again. Also, James Stewart doesn't look like he'll play Sunday after injuring his ankle. Lamont Warren will likely get the start, and with the Bengals up on the schedule, he could do something meaningful. However, that's more of a desperation play. Terry Allen and Elvis Grbac go down for the Ravens: A sprained ankle plagues Allen, whose time could be running out in Baltimore. Grbac is struggling from a chest injury, suffered during a big hit in the second half last week. His status for this week is a bit unclear. However, there are some decent options available. Jason Brookins can easily step in for Allen while veteran Randall Cunningham can still produce when needed. Warrick Dunn hampered by hamstring problems again: Those injuries have come back to haunt Dunn once again, and he might not go Sunday. Mike Alstott is around to soften the blow, but backup Aaron Stecker may not be available. Hard times for a Bucs team that relies so heavily on the run. Wayne Chrebet knocked out with a possible concussion: After a while, all those crazy catches and daredevil mentality catch up with a little guy like Chrebet. He's been very disappointing this year, while No. 2 guy Lavernaues Coles has run hot and cold, although that's more Vinny Testaverde's doing. If you need to replace Chrebet, you may want to check out No. 3 receiver Matthew Hatchette, everyone's sleeper candidate who has yet to pan out.
Monday's BestJames Thrash, WR, Eagles (6 catches, 77 yards, 1 TD): There wasn't much offense again Monday night, although this time it was the product of good defense as opposed to bad offense. Thrash made a nice catch to score the winning touchdown, so he gets the nod just slightly over Donovan McNabb.
Monday's WorstAmani Toomer, WR, Giants (3 catches, 19 yards): Thunder and Lightning were back again and they had moderate numbers, so they won't be punished here. Toomer has been struggling for a few weeks, and it continued again this week. Ike Hilliard, who's had problems with injuries this year, had a decent game (6 catches, 80 yards) at the expense of Toomer and Joe Jurevicius.
Bye week watchThis week, the Falcons, Browns and Packers have the byes. Obviously, it hurts those with Green Bay players like Brett Favre, Ahman Green, Antonio Freeman and Bubba Franks. The off week does allow time for Favre and Bill Schroeder to heal up injuries.You'll likely lose some bench depth with the byes to Atlanta and Cleveland players, although youngsters Maurice Smith, James Jackson and much of the Browns passing game have been coming around as of late. Also remember that the NFL rescheduled some games, so now there's another Thursday game with a pair of struggling teams in the Colts and Chiefs. Given the defensive problems on both sides, it could be a big offensive night across the board.
Injury reportMost of the major injuries are covered above, but here are some other players you'll need to watch on the injury list this week: Marshall Faulk, RB, Rams: He'll be listed as questionable for this upcoming week with that knee injury, but don't expect him to play, no matter how much he wants to get in. Given Trung Canidate's game against the Jets, St. Louis shouldn't be in any rush to bring back Faulk, especially with a bye week coming up after that. That "will he or won't he play" stuff gets really annoying for fantasy owners trying to set lineups ahead of time (and even more aggravating with the Thursday game). Terry Glenn, WR, Patriots: Who knows what to expect anymore from him? He injured his hamstring in practice last week and was inactive against the Colts. That just meant David Patten could go nuts. Might as well not play him right now. It's more of the same after that one great game. Sigh. Freddie Jones, TE, Chargers: After finally having a decent game, Jones sprains his ankle. There aren't many other great options out there (although maybe the Jets' Anthony Becht is around), so you may be stuck with him if he's hurt. James Quintong is Fantasy Sports producer at CNNSI.com.
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