And I thought last week was filled with injuries. This time around, several star fantasy players were injured early and never returned. Among those listed are:
Jamaal Charles (Ankle), AJ Green (Turf Toe), Desean Jackson (Shoulder), Robert Griffin III (Ankle), Knowshown Moreno (Elbow), Ryan Matthews (Knee), Vernon Davis (Ankle), Allen Hurns (Not Yet Disclosed), Eric Decker (Hamstring), Mark Ingram (hand).
In plain English, it was rough.
The severity of each scuff ranges from day-to-day to potential season-ending injuries. One of the truest bits of wisdom I’ve ever heard came from a man who was one of the laziest important people I knew.
“With every crisis, comes opportunity”
So buck up there little Johnny or Jill, we have treasure to find.
Tune-up Tuesday: Opportunity in Every Crisis
Kirk Cousins, WAS QB- Under unfortunate circumstances, Kirk Cousins came to play on Sunday. Robert Griffin III went down almost instantly in the first quarter. Generally I don’t dabble in generic and drab phrases, but in RGIII’s relief, Cousins went bananas. He delivered with poise and precision as he diced up the Jaguars with 250 yards through the air and a couple of touchdowns. The injury to RGIII’s ankle drives reputable sources to believe that he’ll spend some time on the sideline. My interest in Cousins as a fantasy prospect is based on Jay Gruden’s intrigue with his skill set. Gruden loves pocket passers and Cousins is the classic example of that. Keep a spot warm for him on your bench.
Geno Smith, NYJ QB- I won’t get too involved with what I saw in the second half, but the opening drives against the Green Bay Packers were jaw-dropping. Geno Smith compiled a rushing and passing touchdown within the first seven minutes of the game, surging to a 21-3 lead by the time Green Bay got their act together. We all know the story of the second half, but I believe that there is a lot of potential in Smith’s ability to move the football, be it via ground or air.
Mohamed Sanu, CIN WR- With AJ Green sidelined on Sunday, Mohamed Sanu was able to cut loose for 84 yards and a touchdown. Granted, he only was targeted four times, but he demonstrated his ability to collect yards after the catch. His 76 yard scamper to the end zone will show you that. There is no way you’re starting him over any of those you drafted (unless they’re injured), but someone has to pick up the slack while Green recovers from the dumbest injury in the NFL, turf toe.
James Jones, OAK WR- Aside from fumbling the ball twice in one play, James Jones is clearly the number one wideout for the Raiders. They called my bluff on Denarius Moore. Jones was targeted 14 times and took nine of those targets and turned it into 114 yards and a score. He’s returning to red zone form by scoring a touchdown in back to back games. It’s really more of a desperate attempt to scour the WR market at this point, but Jones remains a considerable option.
JJ Watt, HOU WR- Just kidding, but it is nice to see the best defensive player in the NFL get a piece of offensive action.
Khiry Robinson, NO RB- Mark Ingram was finally displaying the qualities that prompted the Saints to draft him in the first round five years ago. Now he’ll be riding the pine as his hand heals up for the next four months and with Pierre Thomas on Sproles-like duties, Khiry Robinson should take over as the primary runner from the backfield. We’ve always seen flashes of Robinson back there, but he hasn’t had ample time to show us what he’s worth. Let’s see it Mr. Robinson.
Bobby Rainey, TB RB- Savvy Doug Martin draftees already plucked him from the pool, but Bobby Rainey is largely available in leagues everywhere. The amount of yards trudged by Rainey on the Rams this Sunday was tantamount to grand larceny. On 25 touches, he gashed St. Louis for 177 yards. Even if he didn’t sniff the end zone, he still should force the Bucs to mull over a timeshare once Martin returns. If I had it my way, I’d let the hot streak keep blazing. We saw major gameplay by Rainey last year while Martin was resting up, so the concept of this happening again is not completely farfetched.
Jeremy Hill, CIN RB- While we were sizing up players during the preseason, we made mention of Jeremy Hill. Although he may be owned in 50 percent of leagues, the other half needs to pick up the slack. Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson is back to his old ways. Running the ball, and running it hard. Hill carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and a TD. Expect QB Andy Dalton to force feed the running backs while Jackson is calling the plays. Especially with AJ Green on the sidelines.
Knile Davis, KC RB- The Chiefs are calling Jamaal Charles’ injury a high ankle sprain. If the claim is true, we can expect Charles to be out a few weeks. Knile Davis should benefit in the meantime. On carries and receptions, Davis totaled 105 yards and a pair of rushing touchdowns. As long as Head Coach Andy Reid remembers to run the ball, Davis should be the major benefactor.
Donald Brown, SD RB- Another running back that benefits from the “Next Man Up” mentality. Ryan Matthews has reverted to old habits and succumbed to injury. He sustained an MCL sprain which normally sidelines its victims for 4-6 weeks. Local beat reporters are expecting Donald Brown to assume the Matthews-type role, while Danny Woodhead maintains third down and passing back assignments. It’s a timeshare, but we won’t force you into multi-hour seminar.
Delanie Walker, TEN TE- Well I’m sorry for not recognizing you last week Delanie. Mr. Walker set forth on a vision quest against the entire Cowboys defense and was profoundly reimbursed. Ten receptions, 142 receiving yards and a touchdown. If he’s available and your starting TE’s name doesn’t rhyme with Shimmy Shraham, pick him up.
Larry Donnel, NYG TE- After a couple of games, Donnel leads this ragtag group of receivers with 12 receptions, 137 receiving yards and a touchdown. I actually used him as a plug n’ play option over the weekend and saw respectable numbers. It was a futile attempt after I was throttled by my opponent, but that’s neither here nor there. If you’re running on empty at the position, Donnel should be at your service.
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