Fantasy Football Week 6: 10 Players Returning From Injury Worth Starting
Considering how many injuries we see each week, it's surprising that the league and its owners would be so interested in adding two more games.
Well, sooner or later, Curtis Painter is going to have to take snaps for the Colts, right?
Injuries are a natural part of the sport, and most aren't season ending.
And in Week 6, several key players will be returning from injuries to make their teams better.
Here are the top 10.
No. 10: Peyton Hillis, RB, Cleveland Browns
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On paper, this looks like a terrible decision.
But Hillis—who is expected to play despite a thigh injury that forced him out of the Falcons game—will get plenty of opportunities against Pittsburgh.
For one, last week's one-handed touchdown catch displayed Hillis' value in the Cleveland passing game. The Browns have struggled mightily for big plays through the air. Hillis may contribute more out of the backfield.
And yards on the ground will certainly be tough for the Browns when they go to Heinz Field on Sunday. But if Colt McCoy really is going to start, then Cleveland has no choice but to run the ball frequently. They can't risk too many mistakes in the passing game from their rookie or, worse yet, an injury.
No. 9: Donald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts
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All three of the Colts backs, Brown, Joseph Addai and Mike Hart, are banged up.
Don't expect to see Addai out there Sunday night against the Redskins. It's likely that the club will be extra cautious with something as serious as a neck injury.
Hart carried the ball in the second half against Kansas City last week and suffered a slight knee injury. So he is not 100 percent.
Since some reports had Brown ready to play in last weeks game—only to be deactivated before kickoff—you've got to figure he's ready to go a week later.
And the Colts are going to have to try and run the ball.
No. 8: Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Oakland Raiders
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Before injuring his shoulder, Gradkowski did not fare well against the Chargers last week (1-for-7, 17 yards). So when Jason Campbell led the Raiders to victory there was naturally a quarterback controversy.
Head Coach Tom Cable has publicly stated that Gradkowski will be the starter if healthy. And it looks promising that he'll play.
Gradkowski now has several pretty good options to complement Darren McFadden. Louis Murphy and Zack Miller are very productive pass catchers.
If you don't have a better option, Gradkowski is a good choice.
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No. 7: LeSean McCoy, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
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McCoy's ribs have been a problem for him for three weeks now. But the pain has yet to keep him out of game.
This week will be no difference. While the Kevin Kolb-Michael Vick drama peaks this week, there is little doubt that McCoy will carry the load for the Eagles.
The Eagles are going to put up a lot of points this week. Even if he doesn't top 100 yards, McCoy should score red zone TDs.
No. 6: Kellen Winslow, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Although the tight end is hampered by a sore knee, he's an excellent fantasy receiver for the fast-developing Bucs.
Mike Williams is a great down-the-field option for Josh Freeman. That opens the middle of the field up for Winslow. Last week, he caught six balls for 75 yards.
With the Saints in town this week, they're sure to be throwing the ball early, first to keep up, then to catch up.
No. 5: Keith Bullock and the New York Giants Defense
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Several of the Giants key defenders have been listed on the injury report the past two weeks.
But it looks like lineman Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, cornerback Terrell Thomas and safety Kenny Phillips should be ready to play. They've been participating in practice.
And head coach Tom Coughlin stated that Keith Bullock's turf toe is improving and might be ready to return against the Lions after missing two weeks.
No. 4: Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders
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Prior to missing last week's game against the Chargers, McFadden was the second-leading rusher in the NFL.
A week off to rest his sore hamstring is expected to have him back near full strength.
He won't carry the ball 20+ times, but he remains a great option for the Raiders in the red zone and near the goal line.
No. 3: Michael Jenkins, WR, Atlanta Falcons
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Harry Douglas did a good job filling in for Jenkins, who will make his first appearance of the 2010 season this week against the Eagles.
With Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White, Jenkins is a nice third option for the Falcons.
Sunday figures to be a real shoot-out, and Jenkins should benefit from that.
No. 2: Steven Jackson, RB, St. Louis Rams
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Despite a nagging groin injury, Jackson busted through last week, breaking the 100-yard mark for the first time this season.
On a team with a rookie quarterback who lost his top receiver in the first quarter that was blown out 44-6, Jackson's totals were pretty impressive.
The groin is healing up, and he isn't even listed on the team's injury report any longer. Against San Diego, he's a good second option for you at running back.
No. 1: Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears
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It looks like Cutler is set to return from the concussion that kept him out of the last one-and-a-half games.
The Seahawks have the league's second worst passing defense, so even if he's still a little rusty, Cutler should connect with his receivers.
And if Matt Forte continues to be so prolific in both the running game and out of the backfield, Cutler's stats will return to what they were early in the season.
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