Andre Johnson, Michael Vick and Other Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 5

Lots of injuries in Week Four and of course lots of options for Week Five. Michael Vick got sandwiched by two bulldogs (ba-dum dum ching), the leagues' No. on receiver has an ankle sprain, Jay Cutler got sacked harder than a bag of potatoes and much more. 

Andre Johnson

Let’s face it.  This one hurts. Many owners drafted the burly Texan in the first round, foregoing Frank Gore and company to cash in on what was supposed to be a thunderous season for the receiver from the U. 

Now Johnson is hobbling with an ankle sprain.  He didn’t play Sunday and his status for next week is up in the air.  You aren’t going to find a No. one WR to fill his spot.  You need to scramble for someone that will steady your sinking ship (unless you are one of those guys that sold high on Jahvid Best to pick up Miles Austin or the like).

The options, my friend, are thin.  Backup WRs Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter (a lauded sleeper two years ago) played second-fiddle to backup TE Joel Dressen against the Raiders Saturday.  It’s hard to say which receiver will go off, but know this: when Arian Foster plays a weak run defense (i.e. the Giants next week) the Houston WRs will suffer.  Pick up Walter and play him against the aerially-challenged Chiefs defense. 

If you are looking for insurance for next week, consider T.J. Houshmandzadeh.  He’s available in 68% of Yahoo leagues.  Next week he’s up against a middle-of-the-pack Broncos pass defense.  

Jay Cutler/Michael Vick

One guy came into the season hated by everyone outside of Chicago.  One guy came in once-hated by everyone, period.  Now, both of them are dealing with injuries.  Cutler suffered a concussion and did not return to the Bears’ game against New York.  Vick took a shot to the ribs/chest and didn’t return to the Eagles’ game against the Redskins. Both QBs were racking up nice numbers to start the season. 

If you need to fill their spot, take a crack at Detroit’s Shaun Hill.  True, Hill posted some great numbers against Green Bay (34-of-54 for 331 yards, 2 TD and 2 INT). 

What stands out more than numbers is that the former Maryland quarterback connected twice with fantasy heartbreaker Calvin Johnson.  If the Hill/Johnson duo keeps clicking, picking up Hill and playing him against the Rams and the Redskins could lead to two 250+ yard, two TD performances.

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