CJ Spiller: Fantasy Options to Replace Injured Bills RB on Waiver Wire

Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller was in the midst of a breakout season. He had 292 yards in the first two games of the season and looked like he was going to realize the promise he had when he was a top-10 pick in 2009. 

Then, as so often happens in the NFL, Spiller got brought back to reality when he was driven into the ground in the Bills' 24-14 victory over Cleveland and suffered a shoulder injury.

Head coach Chan Gailey said (via Sporting News) after the game that he doesn't "believe it’s long, long term. If he misses a week, that’s long for me.”

Since a week in fantasy football is a lifetime, owners will be scrambling to find a replacement who can at least hold down the fort until Spiller makes his return. 

Here are the best options on the waiver wire for fantasy owners to grab, at least until Spiller can come back. 

Mikel Leshoure, Detroit Lions

For the first time in what seems like a decade, the Lions actually had a running back break the 100-yard mark. 

In his first NFL game after missing all of 2011 with a torn ACL and two-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy to start this season, Leshoure looked like a workhorse with 26 carries, 100 yards and one touchdown. 

Given the injury to Matthew Stafford in the game against the Titans, and the uncertainty surrounding his status before undergoing tests, the Lions could make more of a commitment to running after seeing Leshoure handle himself in this game. 

I don't see him becoming a must-start, No.1 running back each week, but instead as a capable backup who can get big yardage with the right matchup. Leshoure is as good a bet as is out there right now. 

Tashard Choice, Buffalo Bills

Who better to take Spiller's spot on your roster than the running back who replaced him in the game after he went down?

There are reasons to be cautious with Choice, as Fred Jackson is, according to head coach Chan Gailey (via Chris Brown of Bills.com), making tremendous progress in his recovery from a knee injury suffered in Week 1. 

However, given the nature of the running back position and the fact that Choice ran so well after being forced into action, don't be shocked to see the Bills split the carries close to 50-50 if Jackson is able to play against the Patriots. 

Daniel Thomas, Miami Dolphins

More players benefiting from injury, Thomas and Lamar Miller were thrown into the fire when Reggie Bush went down with a knee injury in the Dolphins' game against the New York Jets. 

While I like Miller down the road, I think Thomas is going to get the lion's share of the carries until Bush is able to return. According to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, Bush's injury is “nothing season-ending,” but the Dolphins are concerned that Bush may have to miss a few games.

Thomas did not have blow-away numbers—19 carries, 69 yards, one touchdown—but he was effective enough when he got put in. The Dolphins have to commit to the run because Ryan Tannehill isn't ready to lead the offense on his own, meaning Thomas could be a solid fantasy risk. 

Everyone is hot on the Cardinals, who play the Dolphins in Week 4, and their defense has been great, but they are susceptible to the run. They have allowed 110 yards per game on the ground so far this season. 

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