Arian Foster and 4 Other Injuries Fantasy Football Owners Need to Monitor

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As every good Fantasy Football owners knows, you have to watch the injury lists very closely come the end of the week. You want to make sure that your stud No. 1 overall pick isn't sitting on the bench while starting on your team. It could mean the difference between a victory and a defeat in your league.

There are different players that owners need to watch, each at different positions.

To make sure that owners don't make a cardinal sin, click through this slideshow to see if one of your players will be starting or not in Sunday or Monday's games.

Jerricho Cotchery: Hamstring Injury

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Though it may not be likely, if you have Jerricho Cotchery, it may be better to sit him and pick up another receiver for the day.

Cotchery hasn't participated in practice this past week and is reportedly suffering from a hamstring injury. Since he's the fourth or fifth receiver on the Steelers, it's not a big deal that he's out. Still, he's doubtful to play and there are better receivers out there that can play today.

If you want another Steeler to play today, try and see if Hines Ward is still out there if you are in a small enough league. Either that or try Emmanuel Sanders, who is very likely to still be available.

Austin Collie: Foot Injury

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Austin Collie probably dropped off some radars after Peyton Manning went down for at the minimum two months. However, he's still a dangerous receiver on a team full of dangerous receivers. He's also likely to be on a lot of teams since he was likely taken before the news of Peyton Manning's neck went out.

Collie has been practicing this past week and was only questionable after Friday's practice. So he's very safe to start. In fact, Chris Mortensen has just reported that Collie will play today. For fantasy owners, this is a break, just make sure to watch to make sure he can keep going next week. Collie suffered through a couple of injuries last year, so he may not be able to keep playing.

Austin Collie will start versus the Texans. No need to find another player in his stead.

Matt Cassel: Rib Injury

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Matt Cassel may not be a superstar stud, but for some late round fantasy owners he could make all the difference. Matt Cassel suffered a broken rib after he played in the fourth preseason game. Though some were worried about his potential to start opening game today, he seems to have been given the all clear.

Cassel had been participating in practice and was listed as probable on Friday. Now he will start versus the Bills, but one bad hit and he could be limping off the field again. Though owners can rest easy knowing that Cassel will start, they need to keep a close eye on this injury to make sure nothing regresses.

Cassel will start versus the Bills.

Plaxico Burress: Ankle Injury

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The Jets have been building up their offense to help out young QB Mark Sanchez. Now with Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress as receivers, their passing attack is likely to become much stronger.

Plaxico suffered an ankle injury but has been participating in practice. He was listed as probable after Friday's practice.

Though nothing has been confirmed yet, he's likely to start versus the Cowboys tonight.

Arian Foster Injury: Hamstring Injury

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As the Houston Texans' starting running back, all eyes have been on him. Having Foster on the field was one of the keys to the Texans defeating the Colts today. His hamstring injury likely hurts the Texans chances of doing as well, even though the Colts run defense is still weak.

However, the Texans still have a better chance of winning today as the Colts don't have Peyton Manning. Gary Kubiak wants to have Foster better in the long run, including the end of the season and possibly the playoffs.

Foster will not be playing today versus the Colts. He has been listed inactive after being declared a game day decision. It's a huge blow to fantasy owners and a huge blow to the Texans running game.

So who should fantasy owners pick up instead? Derrick Ward will start in Foster's place today. However, Ben Tate is known to be a lot more explosive and likely to get more yards and more carries over the life of the game. Though, the decision is up to you.