What Fantasy Owners Can Expect from Daniel Thomas and 4 Other Injured Players

Miami Dolphins running back Daniel Thomas is a bit banged up heading into Week 9 of the NFL, but does that mean he's not worth starting in your fantasy football league?

Thomas isn't the only injured player worth taking a second gander at before you set your lineup, either. 

Felix Jones, Darren Sproles, Jonathan Dwyer and Percy Harvin are all dealing with injuries that could affect their fantasy production. Follow along as we take a closer look into each player's matchup and determine if their health makes them a must-start or must-sit player for Week 9. 

Felix Jones, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys

Fantasy Advise

Sit Felix Jones

After a big game in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Jones has struggled to produce for the Dallas Cowboys. 

The Falcons haven't been stellar against the run in 2012, ranking No. 26 with 136 yards allowed per game, but the Cowboys have struggled to run all year long. 

Worse still is the fact that Jones is apparently dealing with an injured shoulder to go along with his ailing knee, according to the Dallas Morning News' Jon Machota. 

Still, given the fact that DeMarco Murray is already out with a foot injury and the team's next-best running back is Phillip Tanner, I expect Jones to be the starter this week against the Atlanta Falcons. Tanner is likely to see plenty of action, though, and I wouldn't start either running back in Week 9. 

Darren Sproles, Running Back, New Orleans Saints

Fantasy Advise

Start Darren Sproles

The early word regarding Sproles on the injury front was ominous, as New Orleans Times-Picayune's Mike Triplett reported he missed practice and was nursing a sore hamstring. Triplett amended his report, though, saying:

"

Correction on #Saints RB Darren Sproles' injury. It's a hand, not a hamstring.

— Mike Triplett (@TripTP) November 1, 2012"

At this point, It seems safe to assume he's going to be ready to rumble on Monday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are vulnerable to getting burned when it comes to both the running game and the passing game, and Sproles will have a big role to play.

Stay tuned for more updates on his injured hand, but for now, the smart move is to play Sproles in Week 9. 

Daniel Thomas, Running Back, Miami Dolphins

Fantasy Advice

Sit Daniel Thomas

Even if you are in a deep league that lets you start three running backs, starting Thomas is a risky play in Week 9. He was listed on the injury report on Wednesday with an elbow, but he participated fully in practice (h/t CBSSports.com). 

Given the fact that Thomas has been somewhat of a goal-line vulture this year, and given the fact that he and Reggie Bush have been splitting carries this season, it's reasonable to expect he'll get some action against the Indianapolis Colts (No. 27-ranked rushing defense in the NFL). 

That said, Bush is healthy and will likely get more opportunities than the banged-up Thomas against the weak Colts defense. 

Jonathan Dwyer, Running Back, Pittsburgh Steelers

Fantasy Advice

Sit Jonathan Dwyer

Mike Bires of the Beaver County Times reports:

"

Even though he was limited today with that quad strain Jonathan Dwyer said he'll play vs. Giants. But could it be Isaac Redman who starts?

— Mike Bires (@mikebires) November 1, 2012"

Dwyer will likely split carries with Redman and Rashard Mendenhall (if he's healthy). It would be smart to stay away from all three of these running backs against the New York Giants since the Giants shut down the running games of the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys two out of the past three weeks. 

Percy Harvin, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings

Fantasy Advise

Start Percy Harvin

Harvin hasn't been practicing this week, due to a sore hamstring (h/t 1150 ESPN's Judd Zulgad) and a family issue (h/t Pioneer Press), but Leslie Frazier expects to have him back on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks have one of the most imposing secondaries in the NFL. Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas make life difficult on opposing wide receivers. 

That said, Harvin isn't your typical receiver. Not only can he burn teams through the air, but he's effective on the ground in both the running game and as a return man. 

Harvin will be a big-time fantasy scorer in Week 9.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78 and check out my weekly NFL picks at Pickfactor.com