Donald Brown's Updated Fantasy Outlook After Danny Woodhead's Injury

The running back position has become alarmingly thin for the San Diego Chargers. For owners wise enough to pick up Donald Brown early in the season, however, the fantasy points could soon be rolling in.      

That's because with Ryan Mathews already out of action for several weeks, the Chargers also watched as Danny Woodhead had to leave the game on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills due to injury.

Eric Williams of ESPN has more:

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

Brown was already a viable fantasy starter, as the Chargers like to utilize a more traditional running back alongside Woodhead, who is the team's best third-down back and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

Brown didn't exactly sparkle on Sunday, rushing a whopping 31 times for an inefficient 62 yards and also catching five passes for another 27 yards. That equated to 8.9 fantasy points in standard-scoring leagues, but the real plus for Brown owners should be the sheer amount of usage Brown saw on Sunday.

If indeed Woodhead's injury keeps him out of the lineup beyond this week, Brown will be a very safe RB2 going forward. Next week's matchup against a poor Jacksonville Jaguars defense looks quite enticing for Brown owners. 

Given all of the touches Brown had this week, his fantasy numbers could be off the charts against the Jags if Woodhead can't go. Even if Woodhead is available, Brown remains a solid fantasy option for owners.

Hit me up on Twitter—I'll answer your fantasy questions and make some corny jokes too. It's more fun than Andy Dalton playing receiver.