Fantasy Football Week 4: Buying or Selling Top Injured Players

Few things stress fantasy football players out more than a superstar with a lingering injury. 

After all, you want to play your best players, but if they aggravate any issues early in the game and are forced to leave, you are basically left with an empty roster spot. With that in mind, let’s take a look at three stars in particular who are dealing with injuries that could impact their performances in Week 4.

WR Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears

Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune noted that Brandon Marshall would not have practiced Wednesday if the Chicago Bears had held a practice, which is concerning considering how limited his ankle appeared in Monday’s game:

The Bears have a rivalry game with the Green Bay Packers on tap in Week 4, so you have to imagine Marshall will do everything possible to get on the field. Still, Marshall was noticeably limping down the stretch in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills and left the game against the New York Jets for an extended amount of time.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

On the flip side, Marshall proved just how effective he can be, even at far less than 100 percent, against the San Francisco 49ers with three touchdown catches. Marshall also hauled in a touchdown in the second half versus the Jets, but it was taken back for a penalty.

ESPN Stats & Info pointed out how consistent Marshall has been for the Bears:

The reality is that fantasy owners have to start Marshall if he is going to play Sunday. Yes, there is serious reason for concern with his ankle, but he is one of the best receivers in the league and already proved in Week 2 that he can still put up big numbers.

You will just have to cross your fingers that he stays healthy.

Verdict: Buy, but cautiously. 

P.S.: If you feel like directing your fantasy football frustrations toward Marshall this week, make sure it is the right one.

RB Arian Foster, Houston Texans

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Arian Foster was a red flag coming into the season after only playing in eight contests last year.

Foster missed the Houston Texans’ Week 3 loss after seeing a combined 55 carries in the first two games. Sure, fantasy owners love when their running back gets the ball that much, but it’s not exactly conducive to long-term production when it comes to Foster.

Alfred Blue was fine in place of Foster and finished with 88 total yards from scrimmage on only 13 carries and one catch. There isn’t a real pressing need to get Foster back in there if he is less than 100 percent with Blue putting up solid numbers.

For what it’s worth, Foster didn’t sound too confident about the reliability of his hamstring this week either, via ESPN.com:

"

I've played through a lot in this league, and hamstrings are the hardest thing to gauge because you don't know how it's going to fatigue, how it's going to react to a certain cut. You've just got to let it rest ... having things heal on their own time. You can't push it or it'll relapse on you.

"

Foster is a serious question mark nearly every week thanks to his health. It’s just not worth the risk at this point (for the Texans or your fantasy team), especially with Blue coming off a formidable performance.

Verdict: Sell for now.

WR Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Roddy White suffered a hamstring injury in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com noted that the wide receiver also missed practice Wednesday.

Coach Mike Smith did indicate that White’s workload would increase Thursday, so it remains to be seen just what his availability is for Week 4. White did have a productive day in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints with 72 yards and a touchdown, but that was when he was healthy.

Atlanta’s offense hit on all cylinders in his absence against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and it plays against the struggling Minnesota Vikings Sunday. There is really no need to push White at this point with the majority of the season still on the horizon.

After all, plenty of NFL teams would love to have a receiving corps of Julio Jones, Devin Hester and Harry Douglas. It's not like the Falcons are hurting for options in the passing game.

White may play Sunday, but when the Falcons jump out to a lead against the Vikings, he could wrap up his day early. That’s just not a risk you want to take as a fantasy owner. 

Verdict: Sell for now.

Follow me on Twitter:

Follow @ScottPolacek