LeSean McCoy Injury: Fantasy Backup Plans That Would Save Your Season

After Philadelphia Eagles star running back and fantasy juggernaut LeSean McCoy went down in Week 11 with a concussion (h/t Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer), the hope was that this would be a short-term issue.

Reuben Frank of CSNPhilly.com is reporting that McCoy’s recovery process is still in the very early stages. The idea that the star running back will be back anytime soon is starting to dwindle:

"

Shady still has headache and dizziness. Very fatigued. Very sensitive to noise. Still in phase one. Still below baseline.

— Reuben Frank (@RoobCSN) November 24, 2012"

As a fantasy football owner, a situation like this is tough to gauge.

While McCoy could return to the lineup within three weeks and be a dominant force going into the fantasy playoffs, there is a chance the Eagles shut him down for the season and you will get nothing more from the young back.

If you have McCoy on your fantasy team, these are ways to handle the situation.

The Trade

If your team still allows trades—many had trade deadlines that have already come and gone—now is the time to pull the trigger on a deal sending McCoy to another team.

Whether it’s an Eagles fan or just a fantasy owner stockpiling injured talent that he buys low, McCoy has enough residual value to support getting a viable starter in return.

While the owner dealing McCoy away can’t expect Adrian Peterson, there is little doubt that players like Steven Jackson and Ryan Mathews would be available for the Eagles running back in the right package deal.

If you are in a dynasty league, though, do not trade the young star unless it’s for another top-tier, young star (Doug Martin, Jamaal Charles, etc.)

The Waiver-Wire Handcuff

According to Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com, the Eagles will start rookie running back Bryce Brown Monday night against the Carolina Panthers with Dion Lewis being the change-of-pace back:

"

Andy Reid: Bryce brown will start, Dion will play

— Geoff Mosher (@GeoffMosherCSN) November 24, 2012"

If you have McCoy on your roster and plan on keeping him, hit the waiver wire immediately and pick up Brown. With Philadelphia also starting a rookie at quarterback in Nick Foles, expect the rookie running back to get at least 17 carries and five catches in every game he plays.

If the sheer lack of elite talent on the waiver wire wasn’t enough to get fantasy owners to jump on Brown, Reid’s fascination with the enigmatic young star will see him getting the same number of touches as McCoy without all the defensive attention.

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