NFL Quick Hits : Fantasy Injury Updates

E.J. Henderson Out For Season

The Minnesota Vikings take a huge blow to their defensive unit, losing star middle linebacker E.J. Henderson after he took a crushing hit to the knee from a teammate.

Henderson reportedly fractured his femur on a long Tim Hightower run late in the game, after colliding with a teammate.

Rookie fifth rounder Jasper Brinkley is expected to step-in and take his place. The loss of Henderson could severely hurt the Vikings overall fantasy value as a defense.

Warner Hurts Hip in Win Over Vikings

Warner appeared in good spirits during a post-game interview and was on the field for the Cardinals final possession, but he was noticeably limping near the end of the game.

He didn't seem to be too worried when questioned about it, and considering he'll have an extra day of rest with the Cardinals play next Monday night, it shouldn't be a cause for major concern.

Hines Ward Questionable For Thursday Night

Ward reportedly "tweaked" his hamstring in the Steelers' loss to the Oakland Raiders and should be a game-time decision for this Thursday's game against the Cleveland Browns. It'd be a game the Steelers should be able to win without him, but Ward is a tough guy and the match-up bodes extremely well for him and the rest of Pittsburgh's offense.

Brian Westbrook to Practice This Week?

Westbrook, who has missed the past three weeks (and five of six) with a concussion, could return this week in a limited role on the practice field.

Regardless of any impending return (which is far from certain), we're not buying Westbrook as a fantasy factor the rest of the way. LeSean McCoy has been more than capable as the starter and Leonard Weaver has also added some solid depth.

Westbrook's days as a fantasy fiend are over in Philly.

Matt Cassel to Keep Starting Job

The rumors of Cassel being permanently replaced by Brodie Croyle have been put to rest, after head coach Todd Haley explained that the game was out of hand and the team was merely giving Croyle some reps.

Cassel was horrible, despite any reasonable excuses, as he passed for just 84 yards on 29 attempts and also threw two interceptions in an embarrassing loss.

He gets the Buffalo Bills stingy pass defense next week, so you can't expect much better.

Terrell Suggs Inactive For Monday Night

Suggs has been fighting his way back after suffering a PCL sprain in his knee a few weeks ago, thanks to Cleveland Browns' quarterback Brady Quinn.

Suggs had been eyeing the trip to Green Bay as his return date, but it was fairly clear earlier in the week that the odds were against him returning so quickly.

There is still optimism for his return in 2009 and Suggs has guaranteed to the media that he will play again this year. He only has 3.5 sacks on the season, but a healthy Suggs would still be a solid IDP option if you're needy.

DeSean Jackson Likely to Return in Week 14

Jackson was iffy all week leading into Week 13, but ultimately decided to take a week off after sustaining a concussion in Week 12.

He has a very good chance of making it back after a whole week of rest (and some more this week) and has a decent match-up against the Giants if he is a full go.

Concussions can be tricky though, so take extreme caution when setting your line-up this week.

Devin Hester Good to Go For Week 14

Hester caught one pass for 48 yards and then exited the Bears win over the Rams with a calf injury and did not return.

Hester was reportedly held out as a precautionary measure and will almost certainly be used in Week 14's re-match with the division rival Green Bay Packers.