Bumps and Bruises: Fantasy Players Slowed by Injury

Now that the fantasy football drafts are over, save the late-start type leagues, we all know Arian Foster or Aaron Rodgers was likely the top pick in your own league’s draft. Foster had some hamstring issues last season but still had a great year overall. No injuries so far this year…until yesterday.

Foster wrenched his knee in practice and an MRI was negative for damage. He’s listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins but says he should be fine and will play. Ben Tate is a great backup to own, so his carries could increase in the short term as Foster’s knee is babied; I don’t expect the Texans to have much trouble dispatching the hapless Dolphins so why risk him?

Speaking of running backs in the south, Carolina Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart’s situation is less certain. He didn’t practice yesterday and Ron Rivera is supposed to talk more about his status today. It appears his situation is similar to Foster’s, but with a greater chance of Stewart not seeing the field at all in the opener at Tampa Bay.

The Panthers have a similar plan as Houston as they’re playing a lesser (if divisional) opponent and have backfield depth to not really miss much by resting him. DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert are both healthy and will play…and there’s also the running ability of Cam Newton.

I just wish sooooo much that Cam would learn the baseball slide. Ryan Tannehill did a perfect one against the Panthers in the preseason and I hope Cam watch that 3 second clip over and over again. The last thing the Panthers need is Cam to bounce his noggin on the turf and get a headache or hit funny and wrench a knee or an ankle. Ugh, sorry, but Cam’s knowledge of applicable baseball moves is very limited.

Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison should either miss the Denver Broncos game or see limited action. With the big remake in Denver, I’d stay away from both the Steelers and Broncos in “eliminator” challenges this week.