Nov 15 2007 01:45PM
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports
Arguably, the two best rookies in the game this season both succumbed to injury last week. The good news is that both players probably won't be out too long. But their absence will have an effect on fantasy teams. Roster depth will surely be tested this week for those teams with Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. And this doesn't come at a good time with fantasy teams fighting for playoff positions. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings. Peterson's injury was the big story this week. He has a lateral collateral ligament tear, but the injury isn't too serious. Peterson avoided serious injury. He is out this week, but there is a chance he could return for Week 12. The Vikings say Peterson is week to week right now. Chester Taylor starts at running back for the Vikings and is a fine replacement for Peterson owners. Todd Heap, TE, Ravens. Heap didn't make it through last week's game because of a hamstring injury. And his hamstring isn't doing any better this week. Heap isn't practicing and unlikely to play this week. Quinn Sypniewski should get the start at tight end for the Ravens.
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Bills. Lynch isn't practicing because of a sprained ankle. Head coach Dick Jauron isn't too optimistic about Lynch being available this week. Unless he is able to return to practice, don't count on Lynch playing. A tandem of Anthony Thomas and Dwayne Wright should split the carries at running back for the Bills. Reggie Bush, RB, Saints. Bush is battling a sore knee and suffered a concussion last week. He is banged up, but both injuries are considered minor. He is practicing fully and expected to get the start for the Saints. Josh Scobee, K, Jags. Scobee hasn't played since early in the season because of a quad injury. He is back practicing, though, and expected to play, barring a setback. It probably isn't a great move to play him in his first game back, but Scobee has some potential for the rest of the season. David Garrard, QB, Jags. Garrard was close to playing last week, so there is a real good chance that Garrard will return to the starting lineup. He is practicing and unless his ankle has a relapse, Garrard will start Sunday. Javon Walker, WR, Broncos. Walker might return sooner than expected from minor knee surgery. He is doing some light work at practice, but still not going all out. He probably won't play this week, but has a good chance to return for the Week 12 game. Brandon Marshall and Brandon Stokley continue to start at receiver with Walker out. Dallas Clark, TE, Colts. Clark was kind of a surprise inactive last week because of a concussion. The Colts didn't let much out about the injury before the game, so it was surprising to see Clark on the sidelines. But after a week off, Clark should return to the lineup. And as long as he is active, Clark is a must start in the Colts high-powered offense. Travis Henry, RB, Broncos. Henry continues to be slowed by a sore knee. He also has a possible suspension looming, so it isn't a good time to be a Travis Henry owner. But he could return to practice late this week and has a shot to play Monday. Unfortunately, Henry looks like a game-time decision and the Broncos play the Monday night game, making Henry an iffy play for fantasy teams. Unless you have Selvin Young, you might want to avoid Henry this week. Marvin Harrison, WR, Colts. Harrison remains iffy because of a knee injury. It really isn't known when Harrison will return. Don't count on him playing this week, but keep an eye on our notes for the latest information on Harrison. Matt Schaub, QB, Texans. The bye week came at a good time for Schaub. He missed the last game because of a concussion, but the extra week of rest has him near 100 percent healthy. He will start this week and isn't a bad play for fantasy teams with Andre Johnson expected back and the Saints on the schedule. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans. Johnson is practicing in full and appears to be 100 percent recovered from his sprained knee. He will start this week and is a must start for fantasy owners. His return couldn't come soon enough for some fantasy teams. Deion Branch, WR, Seahawks. Branch is expected back in the lineup this week. He is practicing and his foot injury is doing better. And Branch should return to the starting lineup, giving him fantasy value from the start. He is worth playing as a No. 2 or 3 fantasy receiver. Michael Pittman, RB, Bucs. Pittman is practicing some and expected to return to the lineup this week. He has been out with a sprained ankle. Pittman is likely to split the work at running back with Earnest Graham, who is playing very well of late. Isaac Bruce, WR, Rams. Bruce was forced from last week's game with a hamstring strain, an injury that has slowed him at times this season. But Bruce is already practicing, so there is a shot he'll play this week. Unless he suffers a setback with the injury, Bruce should be in the starting lineup. Shaun Alexander, RB, Seahawks. Alexander still isn't practicing and probably won't play again this week because of a sprained knee and wrist injury. Maurice Morris is expected to get another start at running back and isn't a bad fantasy play in a good Seahawks offense. Santana Moss, WR, Redskins. Moss missed last week's game because of a heel injury. He hasn't returned to practice yet and looks like a game-time decision this week. The Redskins are really thin at receiver, though, so if Moss can play - even at less than 100 percent - the Redskins will likely make him active. If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com | 
