The games aren’t even over, but already, there have been several injuries that could go on to help your team. On the injury side…
Brian Griese, QB Chicago Bears
Brian Griese was knocked out for the Bears this week, so Rex Grossman may or may not be returning top his fluctuating position as one of the most inconsistent and sometimes just plain bad starting QBs in the league.
Adrian Peterson, RB Minnesota Vikings
Two running backs had season-changing events in the Packers/Vikings game. Adrian Peterson–the star (only existent member) of the Vikings offense–went down with an injury to his knee. Watch the injury reports but now might not be a bad time to make sure Chester Taylor isn’t available on you wire if you are in need of a solid running back. Don’t expect fantastic “All Day” AP numbers from Taylor, but if you remember the guy, he was good for a few fantasy points years back.
LenDale White, RB Tennessee Titans
LenDale White took a hit that left him carry-less the rest of the game this Sunday against Jacksonville. Since he didn’t return, the injury may keep him out a few weeks–in which case, it might be a good idea to look at Chris Henry or Chris Brown. Of the two, Chris Brown probably has the greatest value since Henry will soon be leaving the Titans on a substance abuse suspension for some prescription medication he took (not roids).
Reggie Bush, RB New Orleans Saints
Reggie Bush only had an injury scare, but it is worth mentioning. He made it back without even missing the remainder of a quarter, but the injury was to his already-braced knee. If Bush was to miss practice time this week or need more attention to this knee because of the twisting today, keep your eye on the rest of the Saints running back core like Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker. Thomas has not been as major a part of the offense as some predicted when Deuce McAllister was knocked out for the season but would still have a shot without Bush.
Damon Huard, QB Kansas City Chiefs
Damon Huard had to leave the game, and, as is the trend in the NFL these days, Brodie Croyle may have stolen Huard’s starting job by playing reasonably well to finish the game. With a better running game–meaning getting Larry Johnson back from injury since Priest Holmes didn’t have much of a prayer this week–Croyle could be an effective starter for the Chiefs. Brodie Croyle had the hype coming into the season but was unable to take the starting job from Huard that many thought he deserved.
Marvin Harrison, WR Indianapolis Colts
Marvin Harrison will remain out this week for the Colts tonight. His injury must be more serious than first expected and/or the Colts are letting him get as much rest as he needs since they still have this guy named Peyton Manning who can throw to anyone. The receiving core is currently a little light with Anthony Gonzalez also sidelined with an injury to his hand he suffered last week, but Aaron Moorehead should fill in again and be a nice target behind Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark for Manning. (Update: Scratch that. Dallas Clark will be out with a concussion this week.)
Marshawn Lynch, RB Buffalo Bills
As the other rookie running back in the NFL that deserves attention, Marshawn Lynch has been one of the more consistent options in the Buffalo offense. Late in the game this week, he went out with an ankle injury. It isn’t being portrayed as serious, but if you are in a league with few other options, Anthony Thomas would be the main man to replace Lynch if he missed time.
On another note, some players DO return from injuries within the same season it seems. Steven Jackson came back last week just to go down again, but it looks like the Jax has come back to the Rams to stay.
Steven Jackson, RB St. Louis Rams
On a happier note, Steven Jackson finally returned to rush a TD and throw one as well. The Rams finally got their first victory. He should be fairly solid through the rest of the season, so hopefully, you stayed in the playoff chase if you help on to him this long.
