Fantasy Breakdown of NFL Week 4 Injuries

We know about Glenn Coffee and Tashard Choice this week, but who else looks like a good play this week because of injuries, and who doesn’t? Here’s an injury-themed start/sit for Week 4.

START

Kevin Smith- The Lions RB says he will play this week against the Bears. That’s certainly good news for the “streaking” Lions and for Smith owners. Play him

Ted Ginn- Yes, he has some well-documented issues catching the ball. And yes, unproven second year pro Chad Henne will be making his first start. But Henne has a bigger arm than former starter Chad Pennington, allowing him to better take advantage of Ginn’s deep speed. And more importantly, the Bills secondary will be decimated this week; three starters will be out due to injury. Ginn could be in for a big week.

Jerome Harrison- The Browns’ backup had a strong game against the Ravens’ top-ranked run defense last week, and with Jamal Lewis likely to be sidelined again with a hamstring injury, Harrison will get another shot this week against a solid but not spectacular Bengals unit. Harrison could be a decent bye-week filler for those of you looking to replace Michael Turner or Brian Westbrook/LeSean McCoy.

Devery Henderon and Robert Meachem- While Darrelle Revis figures to blanket Marques Colston all game long, the Saints’ other options should have an easier time against the Jets’ backup corners, as number two and three corner Sheppard and Strickland will be out. Look for Henderson or Meachem to catch a bomb and find paydirt. Just don’t ask us to tell you which one will do it.

SIT

LaDainian Tomlinson - Yes, you’ve likely been desperately waiting for your first round pick to make his way back to the field after spraining his ankle in Week 1. But avoid playing him this Sunday when he suits up against the Steelers. To begin with, the matchup is not ideal; even without injured S Troy Polamalu, the Steelers have a rather formidable run defense. Beyond that, there are still questions about how the Chargers will use LT with playmaking backup Darren Sproles, and how quickly they will work Tomlinson back into the fold. Wait a week to see how the roles coalesce before plugging LT back into your starting lineup.

Clinton Portis- The Skins back figures to be another game-time decision. While the Bucs would appear to be an enticing matchup, Portis was unable to capitalize last week against the equally inept Lions. Stay away from the Skins running game until it shows some sign of life.

Wes Welker- Unless you can check in right before kickoff, bench this pass-catching jitterbug extraordinaire; once again, Welker figures to be a game-time decision. Welker has burned fantasy owners the last two weeks with late scratches after practicing and declaring that he will play. With the secretive Pats offering few details about his status, wait to see him actually play a game before starting him.