2009-11-19 12:46:59
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
RealTime Fantasy Sports
 Benson is game-time decisionNot sure about you, but I know I was hit hard by the rash of injuries last week. I'm sure several teams are in the same boat as me, trying to figure out the best options for some big-name players going down. It isn't fun, but part of the game. So in one of my leagues that "count" (if you know what I mean), I had Michael Turner and Ronnie Brown as my starting backs. How do you replace two top-10 backs? Well, you don't. All you can do is just plug in your best options, work the waiver wire and hope you can catch lightning in the bottle. I'm just going to have to do my best to hold on and get into the playoffs. It is all you can do. Injuries happen. Good luck in getting through the next few weeks. Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals. Benson left last week's game with an abductor strain, which is a hip injury. He isn't practicing yet this week, but isn't ruled out yet. Benson will be a game-time decision. If he is out, Bernard Scott gets the start with Larry Johnson likely in the mix a bit. We think Benson will do all he can to play, though.
Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins. Portis continues to be slowed by a concussion he suffered a couple weeks back. He missed last week and is in danger of missing another week. Portis even stated he would like to split work with Ladell Betts until he gets completely healthy since Betts is playing so well. Unless he gets through a full practice by the end of the week, look for Betts to get another start for the Redskins. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons. Turner suffered a high ankle sprain last week and is likely to miss at least a week of action. He isn't ruling himself out for this week, but we highly doubt Turner plays. His injury usually takes a few weeks to get over. Jason Snelling will start as long as Turner is out. Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins. Brown is done for the year, which is a huge blow for fantasy teams. He was having a breakout season. He apparently suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot. This is a serious injury, which could impact next season for him. This type of foot injury can take some time to recover. Ricky Williams gets the bulk of the carries at running back for the Dolphins for the rest of this season. Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers. Polamalu suffered another sprained knee last week, an injury that kept him out of some games earlier this season. This sprained knee is different from the last one, though. It isn't considered too serious, but should keep Polamalu out at least a game. He is very iffy to play this week. The Steelers are a different defense with Polamalu not in the mix, so his loss is big. Terrell Suggs, LB, Ravens. There are different reports regarding Suggs' injury. He has a minor tear to a ligament in his knee. There is one report circulating he is done for the year. But most consider Suggs out two to three weeks. Either way, Suggs is out the next several games, which is a big blow to the Ravens defense. He will be missed as a pass rusher and in run support. The Ravens don't have a player that can replace his production. Brian Westbrook, RB, Eagles. The good news is doctors don't think Westbrook's career is over. But the bad news is he likely won't return this year. The Eagles aren't going to risk long term damage to Westbrook after he suffered concussions in two straight games he played. LeSean McCoy is likely to start the rest of the season. Westbrook could return the last week or so, but we doubt he is a fantasy factor the rest of this season. Antonio Bryant, WR, Bucs. Bryant is already practicing this week. He should be able to return from his knee injury after missing the last few games. Bryant was a huge fantasy factor last year, but has been slowed by injury much of the year and an ineffective passing game isn't helping his numbers, either. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs. Bowe isn't hurt, but he is gone the next four games because of suspension. He was suspended four games for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances. Apparently, Bowe used some sort of diuretic to lose weight before the season started. Recently signed Chris Chambers suddenly becomes the No. 1 receiver for the Chiefs. Bowe isn't going to be much help for fantasy teams the rest of the way. Julius Jones, RB, Seahawks. Jones suffered a lung injury last week and was forced from the game. He has already been ruled out this week, but shouldn't be out too long with the injury. He is some progress, but the Seahawks are going to be cautious with him. Justin Forsett gets the start as long as Jones is out. Forsett has some total yardage potential in an expanded role. Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos. Orton is doing all he can to play this week, but nothing is certain at this point. He was forced from last week's game with a sprained ankle. Orton isn't practicing yet, but hopes to return before the end of the week. If he can get some work in practice, look for Orton to try and play this week. Chris Simms was a mess last week filling in for Orton, so the Broncos need Orton in there for their best chance to win. Consider Orton a game-time decision. Sammy Morris, RB, Patriots. Morris is close to returning from his knee injury this week. He practiced some last week and is practicing some this week. The Patriots expect him to be available this week, but we aren't sure his role with the team just yet with Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk running well. If you have any questions or comments, please email Jeff Paur at jeff@rtsports.com | 
