The Week That Was Football: The Injuries From Week 5
Big name injuries highlight this week’s Football Week That Was.
For 2014, The Week that Was: NFL will focus on injuries and their effects.
Reggie Bush: Reggie Bush missed most of week 5 after suffering an ankle injury. With Joique Bell out, Bush owners were counting on big numbers from the former Saint and Dolphin. You know what they say about the best laid plans – that happened here as Bush’s meager 43 total yards just did not get it done. Looking ahead, we do not know as of this writing whether Bush will miss next week or multiple weeks. We also do not know whether Joique will get back on the field. So, it could be the George Winn show. After he leaped from 4th to 1st on the depth chart, Winn carried 11 times for 48 yards – hardly spectacular, but not terrible either. Without Megatron, the Lions simply are not that good. However, neither is next week’s foe Minnesota. Thus, Winn could be a decent flex play in deep leagues IF Bush and Bell miss week 6.
Calvin Johnson: Speaking of Megatron, early word is that the Lions could shut him down for a week or two so his ankle injury can really heal. There is logic to sitting Johnson next week as Detroit gets beatable Minnesota. If he is only going to get one catch for 7 yards on one target, then why bother? If Megatron has to sit, double down on Golden Tate. He has been thriving in the number 1 WR role the last two weeks putting up 15 receptions for 250 yards and a touchdown. I am sure you will all take that kind of production in your lineup next week and it could easily happen against the aforementioned hapless Vikings.
Rashad Jennings: Rashad Jennings was on his way to a big day before being removed with a knee injury. Jennings carried 10 times for 55 yards and added two catches for 17 yards. We do not know the severity of the injury at this time but Monday’s MRI should tell a lot. One word of caution – do not get too excited about Andre Williams just yet. Yes, he got into the end zone but 3.3 yards per carry is hardly something about which one writes home. If Jennings cannot go, I would upgrade the three Giants WR – Cruz, Randle and Beckham – even further against a Phili D that gave up a ton of yardage to Austin Davis and Kirk Cousins.
Montee Ball: Montee Ball suffered a groin injury on Sunday. Well, at least he has a reason for his weak production this week. The question is whether he will suit up next week and whether he is even startable if he does. Bottom line here is simple -- love Peyton, the Thomas boys and Sanders and forget about the Denver running backs unless you are really desperate.
Donald Brown: Donald Brown suffered a concussion on Sunday. Of course, you hate to see anyone get hurt, but in the end, this is not fantasy relevant. What is relevant is the breakout of Branden Oliver. 172 yards and two TD against a Jets’ run defense that is much better than the rest of the squad ain’t too shabby. With a game against the hapless Raiders next on the schedule, Oliver is a must add in almost all formats.
Jake Locker: Jake Locker left Sunday's game with a hand injury. The good news is that the X-rays came back negative. Of course, we will have to wait to get the results of the MRI to see whether Locker dodged a bullet. In either case, his status for week 6 is up in the air. The good news, if there is any for the Titans after the debacle on Sunday, is that Jax is next on the schedule making the QB (whoever it is) a worthwhile consideration and Wright and Hunter must starts.
Jimmy Graham: The best TE in the game suffered a shoulder injury Sunday and bounced in and out of the Saints win. Overall, Graham managed to post only 2 catches for 36 yards on the day. Stated another way, he killed you in any salary cap or weekly game. The ray of sunshine in this story, if there is one, is that the Saints are on bye so the all-world TE has two weeks to heal.
Final Thought: Injury news changes quickly so make sure to check back right here at fantasyalarm.com for all the news you need to know.