Fantasy Football 2014: 10 Suspended, Injured Players Worth Targeting
It’s crazy, but the fantasy football 2014 season is already half over. Injuries suffered and suspensions levied months ago return to fantasy relevance as the rehab and penalties run their course. Don’t get left out, wondering if you should’ve targeted Ryan Mathews, Robert Griffin III or Josh Gordon before their availability dwindled.
This list ranges from dynasty-league stashes that your fellow owners might have forgotten about, to players owned in a higher percentage of leagues that should be targeted before the trade deadline.
Note: CBS Sports’ trade deadline strikes during Week 11; ESPN, Yahoo and NFL.com block trades during Week 12.
Honorable Mentions
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Rod Streater, WR, Oakland Raiders
Streater finished 2013 tied for 35th among wide receivers. He led Oakland in targets and receptions—100 and 60, respectively.
James Jones and Andre Holmes locked down the top-two receiving spots in Streater’s absence. He’ll be a sleeper PPR flier at best when he comes back from the injured reserve/designated to return list in Week 13.
Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
Eifert was a sleeper tight end before he dislocated his elbow in Week 1. He is eligible to go again in Week 11 after completing his stint on the short-term IR list.
Jermaine Gresham replaced him, logging a mediocre 17 points in his absence. Eifert’s value could escalate if A.J. Green’s turf toe doesn’t improve.
Montee Ball, RB, Denver Broncos
Ball is setting up to be the Broncos' short-yardage and goal-line back when he returns from a groin tear, according to B/R’s Cecil Lammey. There is no timetable for his return and he still hasn’t returned to practice.
"#Broncos RB Montee Ball didn’t practice today because of a groin injury, and RB Ronnie Hillman was limited with a shoulder injury
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) October 29, 2014
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Ball is still owned in 82.4 percent of ESPN leagues so he’s probably not available on your waiver wire. Buy him as low as you can and hope he vultures a few touchdowns away from Ronnie Hillman.
10. Marcus Lattimore, RB, San Francisco 49ers
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Lattimore is still on the comeback trail from the horrific knee injury he suffered at South Carolina in 2012.
San Francisco took him in the fourth-round of the 2013 draft and then stashed him away on IR except for a 21-day evaluation late last season. His 2014 21-day evaluation to be removed or remain on the non-football injury list began Oct. 29.
Jim Harbaugh is enthusiastic about his prospects, as reported by Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News:
"I've been watching him off to the side and I'm excited to watch him out there playing football again. We saw him some in the offseason, and he's further ahead of where he was two, three, four months ago. I'm excited to see more progress on the field.
"
Lattimore was a Heisman front-runner before the knee injury ended his college career. San Francisco drafted him as a possible replacement for Frank Gore, who is ancient by running-back standards—31—and will be a free agent in 2015.
San Francisco drafted Carlos Hyde in 2014’s second round as a possible replacement for Gore as well. But Hyde’s presence doesn’t preclude Lattimore’s potential in 2015.
Monitor his progress and stash him away now in dynasty leagues for high potential returns next season.
9. Justin Blackmon, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Blackmon is next on the list because he also rates as a high-upside dynasty flier, at best.
The two-time Biletnikoff award-winner out of Oklahoma State is currently serving an indefinite suspension for his second violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He is currently about 60 days into a 90-day treatment program, according to the Associated Press (h/t Mark Long of The Florida Times Union).
This comes after yet another arrest on July 24 for marijuana possession.
Blackmon is eligible to apply for reinstatement on Nov. 1, but that process will presumably be delayed until completion of his treatment sometime in late November to early December. He isn’t expected to play this year, according to Jaguars general manager David Caldwell, as reported by News on 6:
"(Playing in 2014) would be something that would be relatively surprising. Haven't gotten a whole lot of updates from the league (with) where he's at or from Justin, to be honest with you."
If and when Blackmon is reinstated, he could very likely be released by Jacksonville, according to Over the Cap. That makes his prospects quite intriguing if he were to catch on with a contender.
The 24-year-old is worth the minimal keeper stash now relative to his incredible potential.
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8. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings
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Rudolph hasn’t played since Week 3 thanks to an aggravated sports hernia.
"#vikings TE Kyle Rudolph will have MRI on right groin Monday: "Something popped. I've been battling it for a while."
— Brian Murphy (@murphPPress) September 21, 2014
Per source, Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph's MRI showed he needs surgery and he will be out for about six weeks.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 22, 2014
"
He entered the season as the eighth-highest taken tight end, according to Fantasy Pros’ average draft position composite. Rudolph backed up that ranking averaging a pedestrian 4.7 points per game, according to ESPN.com.
The fourth-year pro out of Notre Dame is on pace to return for Week 11, according to Master Tesfatsion of the StarTribune.
Rudolph is worthy of a place on your bench for spot starts and injury insurance for ailing studs like Jimmy Graham and Vernon Davis. He’s currently available in 90.3 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues.
7. Michael Vick, QB, New York Jets
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Vick officially got the starting nod for the first time since Week 8 of 2013 when he was still with the Philadelphia Eagles.
"Rex Ryan announced Michael Vick will start Sunday in KC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2014
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Fantasy owners approached this news cautiously, bumping Vick from 1.0-percent to 5.0-percent ownership in ESPN fantasy leagues.
The cold reception is probably due in part to Vick’s admission he "wasn’t prepared" to fill-in against the Chargers in Week 5. His four fumbles—two lost—and an interception against Buffalo in Week 8 also plague Vick as the Jets prepare for Kansas City.
Vick’s extensive injury history is a detracting factor as well.
New York faces a vicious string of defenses down the stretch, according to Fantasy Pros’ matchup calendar. Kansas City (14.6 PPG), Buffalo (14.1), Miami (14.5), Minnesota (13.8) and New England (15.5) all rank top 10 in QB PA. Plus the Jets' bye is Week 11.
But Vick averaged 19.6 PPG in his first five starts last year before his hamstring and Nick Foles relegated him to the bench. That would be good enough for sixth among 2014 fantasy QBs, according to ESPN.
Vick’s Jets don’t boast the same weapons the Eagles did last year, but his creativity on the ground is always a bonus in fantasy terms.
Squirrel Vick away on your bench because just like his team, what have you got to lose?
6. Charles Sims, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The fantasy football world is buzzing about Sims this week.
The third-rounder out of West Virginia leads Rotoworld’s “highest searched player over the last seven days” list with 9,927 clicks. He ranks eighth on ESPN’s most added list at 23.8 percent.
All this in spite of the fact Lovie Smith isn’t sure he’ll play this week:
"Lovie Smith said rookie Charles Sims is "making progress. ... "I don't know if he'll be ready to go this week." Decision later in week.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 30, 2014
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Sims doesn’t rank higher on this list due to Smith’s uncertainty and the fact that the rookie hasn’t played a down in the NFL.
Trade rumors regarding Doug Martin from ESPN's Adam Schefter elevated Sims’ fantasy stature leading up to the NFL trade deadline this week. But Martin remains in Tampa Bay, muddying the RB outlook with a healthy Bobby Rainey in the mix as well.
Sims is worth a reserve roster spot to see how the situation develops, but don’t get too caught up in the hype.
5. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Carolina Panthers
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Williams has always been the slightly better running back option in Carolina. This was proven on Thursday night when he immediately started over Jonathan Stewart upon returning from a Week 4 ankle injury:
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera says RB DeAngelo Williams (ankle) looked good in practice -- and he will start Thursday against the Saints.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) October 28, 2014
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This assertion is evidenced when comparing Williams and Stewart’s yards per carry over their careers, according to Pro Football Reference:
| '08 | '09 | '10 | '11 | '12 | '13 | Career | |
| Williams | 5.5 | 5.2 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.8 |
| Stewart | 4.5 | 5.1 | 4.3 | 5.4 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4.6 |
The problem is Stewart is obviously talented enough to merit considerable time in Carolina’s perpetual RB-by-committee game plan. Williams and Stewart have nearly split touches over their careers—174.2 per year to 148.6, respectively.
The Panthers maintained that blueprint uncannily in Week 9: Williams had nine touches, Stewart had eight.
Williams was added in 22.0 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues this week, leaving Carolina’s RB1 still available in 54.4 percent.
He’s an RB2/Flex at best in the Panthers’ current arrangement, but he could become more valuable late in the season with no tough defenses in RB PA left on Carolina’s schedule.
Add Williams to your bench and start him when you’re in an injury or bye-week pinch.
4. NaVorro Bowman, LB, Aldon Smith, LB, Glenn Dorsey, DT, San Francisco 49ers
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San Francisco’s Defense/Special Teams finished 2013 in sixth place, averaging 9.6 PPG.
Then Bowman suffered ACL/MCL damage against Seattle in the NFC Championship Game.
Followed by Dorsey’s bicep tear in training camp.
Capped by Smith’s second substance abuse-related suspension.
"#49ers Aldon Smith has been suspended without pay for the first nine games. Wow that's a lot
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) August 29, 2014
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The decimated 49ers D/ST has dropped to 13th so far this season, averaging 7.0 PPG as a result. The “must-own, matchup-proof” defense dropped to 78.9 percent ownership after posting a negative-four against the Broncos in Week 7.
Fantasy owners are already adding the 49ers back at a 11.7-percent clip, cracking the top 20 for most added. Much of that pertains to San Francisco’s matchup with the impotent St. Louis offense, ranked 31st in D/ST PA at 12.0 PPG.
Smith, Bowman and Dorsey’s potential collective return bolsters what appear to be better days ahead for the 49ers D/ST (D/ST PA provided by ESPN.com; offensive ranking provided by Pro Football Reference):
| Wk 9 | Wk 10 | Wk 11 | Wk 12 | Wk 13 | Wk 14 | Wk 15 | Wk 16 | |
| Opponent | StL | @NO | @NYG | Was | Sea | @Oak | @Sea | SD |
| D/ST PA | 31st | 7th | 20th | 23rd | 12th | 26th | 12th | 2nd |
| Total Off. | 29th | 10th | 25th | 18th | 17th | 32nd | 17th | 7th |
If you make it to Week 16—championship week in most fantasy leagues—you can dump the 49ers, streaming more favorable matchups with the Titans, Giants or Packers.
3. Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers
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Mathews shocked most fantasy observers by completing a 16-game season and finishing tied for 10th in fantasy scoring among running backs last season.
Unfortunately Mathews couldn’t maintain his healthy streak in 2014, spraining his MCL in Week 2.
"Bad news for #Chargers RB Ryan Mathews. Post-MRI, source tells me his MCL sprain could keep him out 4-5 weeks. He hopes for sooner.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2014
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Danny Woodhead suffered a season-ending ankle injury the following week.
"Chargers coach Mike McCoy says Danny Woodhead (ankle) is out for year. Big blow to offense.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) September 22, 2014
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Donald Brown suffered a concussion in Week 5.
"Chargers running back Donald Brown is now hurt. He's in [locker room]. That means the Chargers are down to their fourth RB.
— John Clayton (@ClaytonESPN) October 5, 2014
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And Branden Oliver’s unpredictable run jammed to a screeching halt against the Broncos in Week 8. The 5’8”, 208-pound fourth-stringer isn’t stout enough to overcome top run defenses, as will probably be repeated in Week 9 against Miami.
All this paves the way for Mathews' return circa Week 11.
"Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (knee) not practicing. Appears likely he's rested through Week 10 bye.
— Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) October 29, 2014
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Mathews will most certainly be the starting RB going forward and is available in 51.7 percent of ESPN leagues. Snatch him up now while you still can.
2. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins
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Week 9 marks Griffin’s most anticipated return from injury since his last return from a major injury in Week 1 of 2013.
"Robert Griffin III will start against the Vikings on Sunday per multiple sources with the Redskins organization.
— Dianna Marie Russini (@NBCdianna) October 29, 2014
"
The speculation that Kirk Cousins might topple Griffin as the franchise quarterback earlier in 2014 is silly in retrospect.
Cousins started his first contest with a bang, heaving for 427 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles in Week 3. However, his five-game campaign ended with him tied for third-most interceptions in the league with nine. His 86.4 passer rating ranks 23rd among eligible QBs, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Colt McCoy stepped in when Jay Gruden benched Cousins in Week 8, which also sidelines anymore chatter about who the QB1 is in Washington.
Griffin is slowly rejoining rosters—12.7 percent this week—totaling 33.7 as of this posting, so he’s still widely available. Minnesota (13.8 PPG, QB PA) is the lone tough matchup left on Washington’s schedule—besides the Week 10 bye, of course.
Throw Griffin on your bench this week, keep an eye on the ankle and you might be sitting on the comeback fantasy player of the second half come the playoffs.
1. Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
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Gordon tops the list of returning players with starting fantasy potential thanks to the rare ability to dominate regardless of his QB last season. He finished 2013 ranked No. 1 in spite of the parade of mediocre Cleveland QBs: Jason Campbell (eight starts), Brandon Weeden (five) and Brian Hoyer (three).
But Gordon also tops this list because he couldn’t overcome his failings off the field.
Fortunately for the rising star, the league and the union adjusted the drug policy, which is the only reason Gordon will see the field in 2014.
"League and NFLPA announce a full new drug policy and make formal that Josh Gordon and LaVon Brazill have their suspensions reduced to 10 gms
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 19, 2014
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Owners flocked to add Gordon when the news broke, but the frenzy chilled quickly. Week 12 is still a long way off, after all.
He is currently taken in 56.8 percent of ESPN leagues, and faces only one top-10 defense in WR PA down the stretch: Cincinnati (Week 15, 15.6 PPG).
It could be tough to carve out a reserve spot for Gordon considering 16 teams—that’s half the league—will go on bye over the next three weeks.
But if you can manage it, Gordon’s upside could be the late-season splash that drives your squad to the title.
A certain amount of rust should be expected from all the names on the list as they step inside the hash marks for the first time in weeks/months/years.
Frugal roster management could pay big future dividends for the patient owner willing to delay gratification by stocking some of these players away now.
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