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There is not a more deflating feeling than watching one of your fantasy stars go down with a injury. You invest in them during the draft, wonder how productive they will be, and then they go down.
Related: Jordy Nelson’s Value Skyrockets With Green Bay Packers Injured Receivers
Facepalm.
However, just because they aren’t on the field, doesn’t mean they should be off of the fantasy landscape as well. Too many times do I see owners automatically assume that just because someone is hurt, they aren’t worthy of a spot on a fantasy roster. Newsflash, folks. Unless it’s a season-ending injury, they are going to come back. So, as Week 7 rapidly approaches (sigh), make sure you are keeping tabs on some banged up fantasy assets that will return to action very soon.
Andre Brown, New York Giants: Brown was originally slated to serve as this team’s short yardage/goal line back for the course of this season, but a fractured leg in the preseason has kept him sideline throughout the regular season. It’s been frustrating because we saw this kid’s potential last season, but always seems to suffer an unfortunate injury. However, Brown is scheduled to return to the lineup in Week 10, and considering how bad David Wilson has played, as well as the fact that Brandon Jacobs is 80-years old, Brown should see a big role in this offense. Brown began running a little over a week ago and said he felt good. Considering the current state of the running back position, Brown could be one of those guys who returns late in the year and wins fantasy championships because of his touchdown potential. The Giants like to run the ball when up close, and we saw how effective Brown is in that regard, as all eight of his rushing touchdowns came from inside the two-yard line last year. He’s only owned in 10 percent of Yahoo! leagues right now, so he’s out there.
Percy Harvin, Seattle Seahawks: Not many were surprised to see Harvin get hurt. We just thought he’d actually play a few regular season games first. Harvin underwent hip surgery in the offseason, sidelining him through the first six weeks. However, there has been speculation that he could return very soon, but it won’t be this week. Harvin will not resume practicing with the team this week, and it’s a logical choice, as Seattle plays on Thursday night. But Week 8 is not out of the question. Harvin has been progressing ahead of schedule, as head coach Pete Carroll stated that Harvin has looked good during workouts. When he does make his Seattle debut, he may be a perfect fit. The Seahawks are a run-first team, West Coast offense that features an intermediate passing game, an area that Harvin thrives in. Also, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is very familiar with Harvin, as the two were together during their tenures in Minnesota. With wide receiver injuries coming in hot (Julio, Cobb), Harvin will need to be owned, if he isn’t already. Double check your waiver wire, folks.
Shane Vereen, New England Patriots: I drafted Vereen this year and have been stashing him on my roster ever since he went down with a wrist injury. Vereen was off to a hot start, rushing for his first career 100-yard game against the Bills in Week 1. But after he suffered a fractured right wrist, his breakout year was hindered. The Patriots running back situation has been a mess ever since, though Stevan Ridley (finally) had that strong game fantasy owners have been waiting for last week. Still, considering the state of the Patriots offense with injuries and rookies all over the place, Vereen will be a big piece of this offense, especially in the passing game. He’ll still get some carries, but New England will likely line him up in the slot, out wide, whatever they can to get this guy the ball. He honestly may be the better overall running back between he and Ridley. Keep an eye out on him, especially in PPR formats. He still most certainly has value.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
