Fantasy Football Week 2: Running Back Injuries Rampant

Fantasy Football Week 2 saw running back injuries run wild. It was a terrible week for the health of running backs. Many fantasy owners are now left with question marks in their backfield. Owners who chose to handcuff their running backs in fantasy drafts are patting themselves on the back now. The following is a list of the significant running back injuries that happened over the weekend with the resulting fantasy implications.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS-ADRIAN PETERSON

The Minnesota Vikings will be without Adrian Peterson for an undetermined amount of time. The star running back hobbled off the field and will have an MRI on his knee on Monday. This is a significant blow to those who drafted him in the first round for fantasy football. Look for Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata to become top waiver picks this week.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS-DOUG MARTIN

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw running back Doug Martin taken out of the game against Arizona with a hamstring injury. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined. Charles Sims will be a top waiver pick this week for fantasy football. Sims has a huge upside if Doug Martin misses any playing time. Sims is already featured in the Tampa Bay offense even when Martin is healthy.

MIAMI DOLPHINS-ARIAN FOSTER

Arian Foster suffered another injury. It is unfortunate Foster has had so many injuries, when healthy he is truly an exceptional talent. Foster suffered a groin injury in the second quarter of the weekend’s game. Jay Ayaji will be Foster’s replacement at running back. The unfortunate thing for those looking to help from Foster’s injury is that he plays on the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have not impressed thus far. The team will not be in many situations where Ayaji will see opportunity for big fantasy football numbers.

CAROLINA PANTHERS-JONATHAN STEWART

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart left the game against the 49ers with a hamstring injury. Stewart was already banged up, having entered the game with an ankle injury. Fozzy Whitaker will be another waiver pick this week. Whitaker rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries in place of Stewart. Cameron Artis-Payne is the other option the Panthers now use at running back. I believe Whitaker is the back the Panthers rely on if Stewart misses time.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS-THOMAS RAWLS

Thomas Rawls left the Seahawks game with what is being called a leg contusion. Rawls came into the season with injuries and has been in a time share with Christine Michael. Michael should already be owned in most leagues. He was the Week 1 starter, the injury to Rawls only helps Michael’s value in Week 3.

DETROIT LIONS-AMEER ABDULLAH

Ameer Abdullah exited the game against the Titans with a foot injury. Theo Riddick will be the beneficiary to Abdullah’s injury. Riddick will be relied on more by the Lions if Abdullah misses time. I cannot see Dwayne Washington cutting into Riddick’s carries.

MIAMI DOLPHINS-ARIAN FOSTER

Arian Foster suffered another injury. It is unfortunate Foster has had so many injuries, when healthy he is truly an exceptional talent. Foster suffered a groin injury in the second quarter of the weekend’s game. Jay Ajayi will be Foster’s replacement at running back. The unfortunate thing for those looking to help from Foster’s injury is that he plays on the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have not impressed thus far. The team will not be in many situations where Ayaji will see opportunity for big fantasy numbers.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS-DANNY WOODHEAD

Danny Woodhead injured his right knee against the Jaguars. Woodhead was carted off the field which is obviously not a good sign. The Chargers have lost an important weapon, however they are not doomed at running back. Melvin Gordon may see even more opportunities than he has thus far. Woodhead will no longer take opportunities away from Gordon while he is injured.

DETROIT LIONS-AMEER ABDULLAH

Fantasy football experts will be making their waiver suggestions over the next two days. The running back injuries outlined here will heavily influence the waiver wire this week. Fantasy football owners who did not handcuff their running backs are now kicking themselves. The most detrimental injuries would be the ones too Peterson, Martin, and Foster. Peterson and Martin were two backs who fantasy football owners drafted to lead their running back corps. The Foster injury is a big hit to those who drafted him at a great value during fantasy football drafts. Hopefully Week 3 does not see so many injuries to running backs.

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