Brandon Jacobs vs. Michael Cox: Fantasy Outlook After David Wilson's Injury

Just as David Wilson started hitting his stride, the talented running back left the New York Giants' Week 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles with a neck injury, further questioning the team's backfield situation.

This leaves veteran Brandon Jacobs and seventh-round pick Michael Cox vying for touches.

Wilson performed his first back-flip of the season after scoring a five-yard touchdown run during the first quarter. Shortly after, he headed to the locker room with what the New York Daily News' Ralph Vacchiano reported is a neck injury. 

He emerged from the locker room and looked ready to sprint back into action. However, ESPN New York's Kieran Darcy said Wilson quickly exited the sideline again.

If this ailment is serious, a murky situation gets even worse in New York. The Giants entered Sunday's clash with the Eagles ranked 30th in the league with 57.8 rushing yards per game.   

With Andre Brown on injured reserved and Da'Rel Scott cut earlier this week, the Giants are running out of options to run the ball. The remaining options right now are the veteran Jacobs and the youngster Cox.

For your fantasy team's sake, let's hope you don't need either of them to propel you to a championship.

Jacobs will likely get the touches, according to Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride (via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News), but he currently has earned 42 yards on 21 carries this season.

At most, owners will garner a few one-yard touchdowns from the 264-pound back. He's 31 years old and doesn't have much burst left to ignite the running game consistently.

Meanwhile, Cox earned a spot on the team with an impressive preseason, but the rookie has yet to receive a single touch during the season. After Jacobs lost a fumble during the second quarter, perhaps that time comes soon. Until he actually gets a chance to prove himself, owners in standard leagues cannot invest a spot on him.

In the 36-21 loss to the Eagles, Cox didn't get a single carry on the day.  Meanwhile, Jacobs had 11 carries for 37 yards, with the longest run going for just seven yards.

While Jacobs is worth an add if Wilson misses time, he's at best a flex play during a favorable matchup. Keep an eye on Cox, since there is a little more upside with his usage between the 20s. Don't claim him just yet, though, as his role will become clearer after Week 5.