Fantasy Rush: Week 5

By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine

We are going to take a little bit of a different approach to The Phanatic's Fantasy Rush this week to help you sort out a common theme for the 2007 NFL season: injuries.

No position has been affected as much by injury than the running back spot. So, let us here help you decide who you need to pick up, and who will be taking away time from who.

New England: Sammy Morris replace(d) Laurence Maroney

Maroney missed New England's Monday night win over the Bengals, opening the door for Morris. The Patriots guard their injuries tighter than Fort Knox, so its going to be tough to tell how hurt Maroney is. However, Morris has value as he is also New England's goal-line back as well.

Cincinnati: Kenny Watson replace(d) Rudi Johnson

Johnson missed Monday's game because of a hamstring injury. Watson replaced him, and with little talent behind him, will get the bulk of the carries if Johnson misses a lot of time. Johnson, though, has the bye week this weekend to rest up, though his fantasy owners better have Watson on their roster.

Indianopolis: A trio replace(d) Joseph Addai

Addai hurt his back and shoulder last week and hasn't practiced this week. He didn't return last week after his injury, but the Colts were handling Denver. Indy will use a committee of backs if Addai is hurt, meaning if you have Addai and he is out for a while, you might be in trouble. If you have to grab a Colt backup, take Kenton Keith, who did well when Addai was banged up back in Week 1.

Houston: Ron Dayne replace(s) Ahman Green

Green was unable to go last week against Atlanta due to a knee injury, with Dayne replacing him. Green likely won't play this weekend either, giving Dayne, a better goal-line back, another week of value.

Denver: Selvin Young replace(s) Travis Henry

Here's a big one. Henry has reportedly tested positive in another drug test, and as his third offense would face a year-long suspension. That makes Young the eventual starter, but when? Henry is trying to prevent the test from being used by the NFL, but could still be suspended by the team. Or, they could let him play until he is officially suspended. Either way, get Young now and watch the situation.

Oakland: Dominic Rhodes replace(s) LaMont Jordan

Jordan injured his back against Miami, though x-rays were negative and he has a bye this week. Dominic Rhodes is returning from suspension and should get the bulk of the carries over Justin Fargas if Jordan misses any time.

Washington: Ladell Betts replace(s) Clinton Portis

Portis has a knee injury, though is back at practice and should be ready for the Lions this week. However, Betts is explosive and might have a good game anyway versus Detroit on limited carries. Portis won't be at 100 percent, and Betts will get looks. However, long-term his value is only as good as Portis' knee is bad.

Philadelphia: Correll Buckhalter replace(d) Brian Westbrook

Buckhalter had a very good game against the Giants spelling the injured Westbrook, who didn't play because of an abdomen injury. It is starting to look as if Westbrook might have a serious injury, meaning Buckhalter is a good pickup despite the Eagles' pass-happy offense.

Tampa Bay: Earnest Graham replace(s) Carnell Williams

Williams is done for the year, meaning Graham (and Michael Pittman) take over in the backfield. However, keep an eye on Mewelde Moore, who the Bucs are trying to acquire from Minnesota.

New Orleans: Aaron Stecker replace(s) Deuce McAllister's role

Stecker will step into McAllister's role in the offense, but make no mistake, it is now Reggie Bush's time to shine. Grab Stecker and watch his role in the offense.

St. Louis: Brian Leonard replace(s) Steven Jackson

Jackson is out another week, and maybe longer, due to a partial groin tear. The Rams' offensive line, however, is banged up beyond relief, meaning Leonard or Jackson won't have a lot of room to run. That being said, Leonard is the starter right now, and if the Rams really fall out of things early, Jackson could easily be shut down for the year, leaving all the carries to Leonard.

Fantasy question? Contact Michael Rushton at mrushton@phanaticmag.com