Fantasy Football Injury Update: 10 Players Who Are Up in the Air

As the NFL season progresses, certain teams become plagued by injury. 

Teams like the Packers, Colts, Chargers and others come to mind. From a fantasy football standpoint, it becomes increasingly important to monitor injuries and scour the waiver wire down the stretch.

Let's go ahead and take a look at 10 players who are up in the air, or out this week, and who might serve as a viable replacement.

Roddy White

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons dives for more yardage against the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Injury Status

Roddy White injured his right knee in the first half of Sunday's Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay showdown. 

He was limited during that game, but ultimately played much of the second half.

White would surely be a lock to play were the Falcons next game on Sunday. But they have the Thursday game against the Ravens.

Possible Replacements

Let's be honest: Not a lot of players are capable of replacing White in your fantasy lineup. 

But, if it looks like White is out, there are some stop-gap players available depending on the depth of your league. I'd look at a guy like Jordan Shipley, Brian Hartline or Nate Washington as a possible replacement off free agency or waiver wire. 

Also, a good hard look at Bills receivers might be worth doing.

Jonathan Stewart

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers is helped off the field after an injury during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by St

Stewart left Sunday's game with an apparent concussion. 

Given the caution that teams are taking with concussions, I would bet that Stewart sits out this week.

Possible Replacements

Stewart hasn't exactly been lighting up the board anyway, so his loss shouldn't really hamstring your team.

I'd look to replace him with a guy like Tim Hightower, Willis McGahee or Chester Taylor.

Ryan Torain

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CHICAGO - OCTOBER 24: Ryan Torain #46 of the Washington Redskins runs past Pisa Tinoisamoa #59 of the Chicago Bears as Charles Tillman #33 closes in at Soldier Field on October 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Redskins defeated the Bears 17-14. (Photo b

Ryan Torain has stepped in and done quite well for the Redskins this season. 

He's had one 100-yard, two-TD game, and was getting most of the carries with Clinton Portis hurt. He, however, he may be slowed this week because of a nagging hamstring injury

Possible Replacements

Again, I'd look at guys like McGahee, Hightower, CJ Spiller or Correll Buckhalter.

Austin Collie

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 26: Wide receiver Austin Collie #17 of the Indianapolis Colts makes a 23 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter as Perrish Cox #32 of the Denver Broncos defends at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Col

You can go ahead and rule him out. 

Collie was involved in the scariest collision of the weekend and has been ruled out for the Colts game against the Bengals.

Possible Replacements

If you've been playing him the flex position, I'd look at plugging in a guy like Davone Bess, Jabar Gaffney or Jahvid Best.

Hakeem Nicks

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 03: Hakeem Nicks #88 of the New York Giants runs with the ball against Chris Harris #46 and Charles Tillman #33 of the Chicago Bears at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 3, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mi

Hakeem Nicks has an ankle sprain and may not be able to go against the Cowboys. 

Tom Coughlin seemed to suggest that Nicks may be fine, but he may not be as productive as in other games.

Possible Replacements

Nicks had a big game last time against the Cowboys. But frankly, so has everyone else. 

I'd look at bringing in Manningham or Steve Smith if they are free in your league to replace Nicks if he is out.

Matt Schaub

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INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 01: Matt Schaub #8 of Houston Texans is hit as he throws a pass during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 1, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Matt Schaub took a pretty rough shot to the stomach on Sunday and is listed as probable for Sunday's game. 

You'd hope that Schaub would be able to play against a Jacksonville defense that is giving up huge fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Possible Replacements

If he can't play (and maybe even if he can) it might be worth plugging in Sam Bradford or Josh Freeman.  Both are also playing defenses that give up big numbers, and won't be plagued by any nagging injuries.

Vernon Davis

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 24: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Even after the bye week, Davis is still suffering from a bad ankle. 

You'd like to see him play. However, there are questions in San Francisco at the quarterback position. 

With the injury and the quarterback situation, sitting Davis might not be a bad idea.

Possible Replacements

I'd certainly look at picking up Jacob Tamme or Jermaine Gresham.

Vince Young

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass as Antwan Barnes #98 of the San Diego Chargers pressures during the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeate

Young has yet to practice this week and the Titans haven't released a report on him.

His ankle is still a problem, and Kerry Collins may get the reps this week.

Possible Replacements

In all likelihood, Young isn't your starter anyway, so this shouldn't hurt you too badly. 

Collins should fill in nicely and would be worth picking up. I'd also look at Hasselbeck, back from injury, or Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Jason Snelling

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 24: Jason Snelling #44 of the Atlanta Falcons stiff arms Keith Rivers #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals at Georgia Dome on October 24, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Snelling had a light practice today and should be available for the Thursday game against the Ravens. 

That said, he has limited fantasy value anyway. Michael Turner is healthy and playing well. 

Possible Replacements

In all likelihood, if you've played him at all, he's gotten time in the flex position. 

Look for Davone Bess or Correll Buckhalter as replacements off free agency.

Kyle Orton

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Kyle Orton #8 of Denver Broncos gives instructions during the NFL International Series match between Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers at Wembley Stadium on October 31, 2010 in London, England. This is the fourth occasi

Orton is listed as probable right now, but will play in all likelihood. 

That said, this week's matchup against the Chiefs defense isn't a lot of fun. The Chiefs are giving up below-average fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks.

Possible Replacements

This is risky, but my sleeper pick of the week is Shaun Hill. 

If he's healthy enough to go, he should be able to pick apart the Bills. And Calvin Johnson will look to respond after a poor showing against the Jets.

I would only make that play if you are pretty desperate, though, since Orton is a proven performer.