Cedric Benson: Updated Fantasy Football Outlook, Projections for Packers RB

Cedric Benson injured his foot in the first half of the Green Bay Packers' game against the Indianapolis Colts. His return has been listed as questionable, and there isn't much information on the extent of the damage at this point.

That doesn't mean we can't take a look at his fantasy football value going forward.

Fantasy Football Outlook

The Packers are not stacked at the running back position by any means. That's the whole reason they signed old man Benson in the first place.

James Starks averaged a solid 4.3 yards per carry in 2011, but that's not enough to promote him back to his former starting role.

John Kuhn is a fullback who occasionally moonlights as a Peyton Hillis-type power back. He does well catching the ball as well, but he isn't a starting tailback in the NFL.

As ESPN's Kevin Seifert pointed out, Benson has been getting more work as the season has progressed. The coaching staff believes in his abilities and understands that he needs carries in order to be effective. 

When he returns, he'll be the starter and get the lion's share of the work. He's worth stashing away on your roster and starting as a second running back or flex when he's healthy.

Projections

The last three weeks have seen Benson average a little over 18 carries a game. The Packers have used him more with each passing contest and that trend is likely to continue.

Benson should continue to average just around four yards a carry, but there are quite a few stout rush defenses left on the Packers' schedule. He won't have too much luck finding the end zone against the likes of the Texans or Rams defense.

However, all is not lost. With Green Bay's new dedication to running the ball, he'll get plenty of chances and finish the seasons with around 1,100 yards and five touchdowns.