Fantasy Football 2012: Injury-Prone Stars to Avoid at All Costs

The time to draft high-potential prospects to your fantasy football team has arrived.

Every season, there are a handful of risky stars that owners must decide on. Do you draft them and hope for the best, or do you avoid them at all costs?

In the case of these players, you would be wise to stay away.

Here, we analyze three injury-prone fantasy football studs who should be avoided at all costs in 2012.

Jamaal Charles, Kansas City Chiefs, RB

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles failed to follow up on a brilliant 2010 campaign after blowing out his ACL two games into the season last year. 

Charles rushed for over 1,100 yards in 2009 and 2010 with the Chiefs, but he fell victim to the injury bug in 2011, which raises questions about whether or not he can avoid it for good in 2012.

Coming off a season in which he carried the ball just 12 times, how will Charles respond to the contact?

Although he is just 25 years old, the wear and tear experienced by NFL running backs is unlike any other position in team sports. It demands another level of preparation and physical fitness. 

If you believe in Charles and expect him to turn in another 1,000-plus yard season in 2012, you are certainly not alone. But you are taking a major risk nonetheless. 

Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles, QB

Michael Vick's greatness as a rusher makes him one of the biggest fantasy teases of all-time, but it also makes him one of the most vulnerable quarterbacks each and every season.

As someone who drafted Vick in the early rounds last season, I can honestly say that acquiring Vick is a big mistake. And it's one that can easily be avoided. 

Whether it's a late hit in the pocket that results in a concussion or a follow-through that smashes a finger on a helmet, Vick is constantly falling victim to nagging injuries that both slow his production and crush owners' fantasy hopes. 

Vick scored 30 touchdowns in 12 games in 2010, but only scored 19 touchdowns in 13 games in 2011. Don't be fooled by Vick's occasional video game-like plays. It will only end up biting you in the end. 

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers, TE

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has missed nine regular season games since the start of the 2010 season, and he seems to always be hampered by a foot injury.

Gates injured his big toe in 2008 and has been dealing with the consequences ever since. Although he caught 79 passes for a career-high 1,157 yards in 2009, his production has slowed because of his inconsistent health.

When on the field, Gates has the potential to be one of the best fantasy producers in the NFL. But that's no guarantee in 2012, especially as he gets older. Gates is 32 heading into this year and will hope that his foot holds up for the 16-game regular season.

In my view, Gates' nagging injury factor makes him a star to avoid at all costs this summer. 

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