One week after receiving national attention for breaking the NFL rushing record with 296 yards against San Diego, Adrian Peterson sustained a torn lateral knee ligament in Sunday’s contest with Green Bay. The superstar rookie won’t need surgery, but could miss as many as three weeks with the injury. In his place, Chester Taylor will regain his starting role and has some favorable matchups against the Raiders, Giants and Lions in Weeks 11-13.
While A.D. will likely be sidelined for Week 11, we’ll likely see the returns of Andre Johnson, David Garrard, Matt Schaub and Michael Pittman this weekend. Chutes ‘n’ Ladders will break down this weekend’s action and discuss all the injuries, lineup changes and new fantasy free agent possibilities.
Quarterbacks
Free Agent Possibilities
Kurt Warner, ARI 26-for-36, 259 yards, three TD, INT, FL
Rex Grossman, CHI 7-for-14, 142 yards, TD
Joey Harrington, ATL 19-for-26, 192 yards, TD
Cleo Lemon, MIA 16-for-29, 131 yards, 17 yards rushing, TD
Quinn Gray, JAC 13-for-23, 101 yards, TD, 13 yards rushing
Tim Rattay, ARI 1-for-1, two yards, TD
Vinny Testaverde, CAR 13-for-28, 153 yards
Brooks Bollinger, MIN 16-for-26 yards, 176 yards, INT
Brodie Croyle, KC 17-for-30, 162 yards, INT
J.P. Losman, BUF 12-for-23, 157 yards, INT
Josh McCown, OAK 14-for-27, 108 yards, INT, 28 yards rushing
Kyle Boller, BAL 6-for-8, 89 yards, INT
Major Offensive Injuries
After an atrocious performance by Bollinger, the Vikings are expected to have starting QB Tarvaris Jackson (concussion) back in the starting lineup for Week 11 against Oakland … Bills coach Dick Jauron announced that he won’t name his starting QB until Wednesday. Trent Edwards (wrist) is healthy again, but opening day starter J.P. Losman has won two straight and appears to be the front-runner to keep the starting gig against a difficult Patriots defense … After Brian Griese left Week 10 with a bruised left shoulder, early word is that Rex Grossman will return as the Bears starting QB for Week 11 vs Seattle. Both field generals have shown flashes of brilliance, but each should be considered unreliable from a fantasy standpoint … Damon Huard left this weekend’s game with a neck injury and did not return. Brodie Croyle replaced him behind center, as the Chiefs got blown out by Denver. There’s some speculation that Croyle will keep the job
Kurt Warner sustained a torn ligament in his left thumb this week and was forced to leave temporarily in Sunday’s win over Detroit. The injury isn’t expected to affect his throwing, but it will likely bother his handing off and gripping the football. Tim Rattay could see spot duty because of that … David Garrard is planning on returning to the Jaguars starting lineup for Week 11 against the Chargers. Gray has gone 2-1 as the fill-in starter, but will probably be holding a clipboard again next Sunday. Garrard is not an advisable fantasy option if he does return … David Carr (concussion) is expected to be available for next week’s contest after sitting out Week 10. Testaverde could keep the job though – coach John Fox said he’d announce his starter later in the week. Neither are wise fantasy options, however. In fact, stud WR Steve Smith is also no longer a reliable fantasy alternative
Steve McNair used to be one of the top players in the game – there’s no doubt about that; he even was the co-MVP with Peyton Manning in 2003. However, after watching Baltimore’s past two games, I feel personally that Air McNair is one of the worst players in the game now. I feel awful saying that, but he’s been horrendous this year. In his past three games, he hasn’t led the Ravens offense to any TDs. Coach Brian Billick has already said McNair will remain the team's starter, but don't be surprised if he reconsiders. Kyle Boller would definitely give Baltimore a better chance to win … Josh McCown could barely walk after last week’s game because of a bruised right leg. With the Raiders now 2-7, it might be time for No. 1 selection JaMarcus Russell to be inserted as the starter. It’s not likely Daunte Culpepper would get his job back after going 1-3 as the team’s starter … Matt Schaub is 100% again for the Texans and is expected to replace Sage Rosenfels for Week 11 against New Orleans. He’s a decent play against the Saints, who are prone to shootouts with their high-powered offense and weak defense
Running Backs
Free Agent Possibilities
Greg Jones, JAC rushing TD, receiving TD
Chester Taylor, MIN three rushes, 37 yards, two receptions, 59 yards
Reuben Droughns, NYG eight yards rushing, TD
Antonio Pittman, STL seven rushes, 53 yards, TD
Aaron Stecker, NO three rushes, 26 yards, TD
Kenton Keith, IND four rushes, 19 yards, rec, seven yards, TD
Julius Jones, DAL 11 rushes, 48 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Travis Henry is scheduled to meet with league officials Friday to discuss his recent positive test for marijuana. If his test does return positive, he’ll be done for the season. In fact, the Broncos won’t even let him be with the team the remainder of the season. Apparently Henry promised coach Mike Shanahan that he did not smoke weed, so lying to the coach would ultimately be worse for Henry than actually committing the infraction. Selmon Young, who had 109 yards rushing and a TD against KC this week, will take over the starting RB duties as early as this week if Henry is found guilty.
Marshawn Lynch left Sunday’s contest against Miami late in the fourth quarter with a sore ankle, but the injury isn’t considered very serious. The rookie running back was dancing on the sidelines when the Bills kicked a late field goal to top the winless Dolphins – that’s typically a good sign with ankle injuries. He’ll undergo an MRI on Monday, but is expected to be in the staring lineup for Sunday night’s matchup with the undefeated Patriots … LenDale White (knee) was forced to leave this weekend’s contest and is iffy for next week’s contest vs Denver on MNF. Chris Henry or Chris Brown would take over the Titans RB duties in his stead … Coach Jon Gruden expects Michael Pittman to supplement the Bucs ground game. Earnest Graham will start at RB, but Pittman is expected to be heavily involved in third downs and as a change of pace.
DeShaun Foster bothered his turf toe injury this weekend and might find himself on the Panthers injury list because of it. If he’s unable to suit up, it would make DeAngelo Williams a strong play for Week 11 vs Green Bay … It was reported that Reggie Bush suffered a mild concussion this weekend. He briefly left the game, but was able to come back later on. He finished with 44 total yards and a TD in the loss, and isn’t expected to miss any time with the head injury … Kevin Jones was forced to leave Sunday’s game twice because of soreness in his surgically repaired foot. The Lions finished with (-18) yards on just eight carries, and Jones had (-4) himself. The pain he’s feeling is considered normal. He’s scored a TD in five of the past seven games, so keep him active if he’s able to practice this week
Wide Receivers
Free Agent Possibilities
James Thrash, WAS five rec, 85 yards, two TD
Justin Gage, TEN seven rec, 90 yards, TD
Mark Clayton, BAL eight rec, 107 yards
Isaac Bruce, STL four rec, 62 yards, TD
Chris Henry, CIN four rec, 99 yards
Ruvell Martin, GB four rec, 57 yards, two TD
Reggie Brown, PHI three rec, 55 yards, TD
Drew Bennett, STL four rec, 37 yards, TD
Muhsin Muhammad, CHI four rec, 87 yards
Keenan McCardell, WAS four rec, 33 yards, TD
Robert Ferguson, MIN six rec, 59 yards
Mike Furrey, DET five rec, 64 yards
Brandon Jones, TEN five rec, 51 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
After starting for Santana Moss on Sunday and scoring two touchdowns, James Thrash was on crutches Monday morning and had a cast on his left leg. There’s even some speculation that his ankle might be broken. If it is, his season is obviously finished. Despite the strong stats as a surrogate starter, avoid adding Thrash because of this unfortunate injury news … Isaac Bruce left Week 10 in the third quarter because of a strained hamstring. He posted decent stats before leaving and is considered week-to-week with the injury – the same hamstring injury that caused him to miss two weeks earlier in the year
After catching his first three passes of the season, the oft-injured Eddie Kennison bothered his hamstring in Week 10. His status for next week is uncertain. When he left, Jeff Webb replaced him and might get the starting nod if the veteran is ready to go … After missing the past seven games, the Texans will have Andre Johnson (knee) back in their starting lineup for Week 10 vs New Orleans. Get him back in your starting lineups as well. Andre Davis will return to slot duties … Javon Walker (knee) is a “long shot” to face the Titans next Monday night. Therefore, Brandon Stokley will continue to start at wideout for at least another week
Tight Ends
Free Agent Possibilities
Leonard Pope, ARI five rec, 52 yards, two TD, FL
Bryan Fletcher, IND eight rec 55 yards
Randy McMichael, STL four rec, 41 yards, TD
Donald Lee, GB four rec, 27 yards, TD
Eric Johnson, NO three rec, 38 yards, TD
L.J. Smith, PHI four rec, 49 yards, TD, FL
Alge Crumpler, ATL two rec, 39 yards, TD
Daniel Graham, DEN two rec, 20 yards, TD
Tony Curtis, DAL rec, 15 yards, TD
Zach Miller, OAK four rec, 43 yards
Major Offensive Injuries
Todd Heap re-injured his hamstring on Sunday and might be forced to miss more time because of it. After being an elite option at the thin position, he’s been held to just four catches over the Ravens past five games. It might time to cut ties the tight end … Dallas Clark (concussion) sat out Sunday night’s loss to San Diego and is questionable for next week’s contest vs K.C. Ben Utecht started in his place this week and had three catches for 30 yards.
Week 11 Schedule
Sunday, Nov. 18 1:00pm ET
Cleveland @ Baltimore
Tampa Bay @ Atlanta
Arizona @ Cincinnati
New York Giants @ Detroit
Miami @ Philadelphia
Oakland @ Minnesota
Carolina @ Green Bay
New Orleans @ Houston
Kansas City @ Indianapolis
San Diego @ Jacksonville
4:05pm ET
Pittsburgh @ New York Jets
4:15pm ET
Washington @ Dallas
St. Louis @ San Francisco
Chicago @ Seattle
8:15pm ET
New England @ Buffalo
Monday, Nov. 19 8:30pm ET
Tennessee @ Denver
No more Byes!