Ronnie Brown Possibly Out for Season: Fantasy Impact

Reports are now coming from ProFootballTalk.com that Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown's injury could be worse than feared, and that there is at least a slight possibility that the injury could end his 2009 season.

Brown has already been ruled out for Week 11, making the 32-year old Ricky Williams Miami's starter at running back, but recent updates suggest that his foot injury is bad enough that he could potentially be shelved early and could miss the remainder of the season.

This same report is cautious to admit that the diagnosis is constantly changing and that Brown and the Dolphins would surely get another opinion (or several more) before closing the book on his already very successful 2009 campaign.

Williams, on the other hand, would assume the starting role if this injury leads to Brown sitting out the final seven games.

Fantasy Perspective: Williams was already a solid RB2 as the backup to the dynamic Brown, but would see a huge rise in production and would also have an expanded role to the point where he is the full-fledged feature back in Miami.

There is also speculation that this injury, if it is season-ending, could force the Dolphins to use quarterback Pat White more in the Wildcat.

The loss of Brown would change the make-up of the Dolphins, and while Williams would see more carries and increased value , Miami would also be forced to balance their attack more with just one elite back. Look for their passing game to step to another level and their receivers to be relied on a little more in the coming weeks.

Even if Brown does return this season, there is clearly no word on when that will be, making Williams a RB1 until further notice. If you have both Brown and Williams, it may be a good time to take a chance and trade Brown before you discover he's out for the season.