NFL Week 11's Fantasy Fallers: Hines Ward, Chad Henne, Jerricho Cotchery

Although injuries have paved the way for the risers in this week's edition, the fallers are falling hard due to the injuries they are facing.

From knees to hamstrings to groins to concussions, players were beat up pretty good in Week 10 and now their teams are facing the consequences. More importantly, fantasy owners are looking at potential replacements and whether or not it is time to give up on certain players as the trade deadline approaches.

Who is worthy to stay on your team? Who should be headed to the bench? And who will overcome their current situation?

QB

Chad Henne, MIA

Chad Henne’s rough month continues.

In Week 10, Henne relieved Chad Pennington who injured his shoulder.

Henne was actually having his best game in the past few weeks before injuring his knee. He threw a touchdown and an interception while completing 19 of 28 attempted passes (67.9 completion percentage) for 240 yards.

Brandon Marshall has not been happy with any of his quarterbacks this season and he could lose his most talented option for this week, and potentially the rest of the season.

Henne has not been ruled out for Week 11 against Chicago on Thursday night just yet with the knee injury, but it is difficult to believe he will suit up for the matchup after missing practice November 16.

Tyler Thigpen would start in his place.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Peyton Manning, IND: 20 for 36 (55.6 completion percentage), 185 yards

Brett Favre, MIN: 18 for 31 (58.1 completion percentage), 170 yards, TD, 3 INT

Jimmy Clausen, CAR: 16 for 29 (55.2 completion percentage), 191 yards (Suffered Concussion)

Kerry Collins, TEN: Out indefinitely (Calf)

Chad Pennington, MIA: Placed on Injured Reserve (Shoulder)

Last Week’s Falling QB in Week 10:

Matthew Stafford, DET: Out indefinitely (Shoulder)

RB

Ryan Torain, WAS

Torain was active Week 10 but did not receive a single carry. Instead, Keiland Williams, one of my preseason deep sleepers, emerged as a fantasy star in this outing.

Williams received 16 carries and rushed for 89 yards and two touchdowns. He also added four receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown.

Williams displayed power similar to that of Torain, but with more versatility. Torain owners need to keep a keen eye on this situation as their once promising waiver pick up could be taking a backseat in Mike Shanahan’s devious game plans.

Cedric Benson, CIN

Most people thought the Bengals, after manhandling the AFC North division last season, would still be a run-first team despite the signing of Terrell Owens and the additions of rookies Jordan Shipley and Jermaine Gresham.

Instead, they converted to a pass first offense and often neglect to run the ball, which brought them to the playoffs last season.

Benson has struggled to rush as effectively as last season, which was evident in Week 10 against the Colts.

Benson rushed 14 times for just 24 yards and lost a fumble in the process.

As the Bengals continue to play from behind, Benson’s struggles will continue.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Michael Turner, ATL: 17 carries, 39 yards

Jahvid Best, DET: 17 carries, 35 yards, 4 receptions, 4 yards

Rashard Mendenhall, PIT: 11 carries, 50 yards, 2 receptions, 5 yards

Donald Brown, IND: 12 carries, 50 yards

C.J. Spiller, BUF: Out indefinitely (Hamstring)

Last Week’s Falling RBs in Week 10:

Cadillac Williams, TB: 5 carries, 62 yards, TD, 2 receptions, 23 yards

Ricky Williams, MIA: 11 carries, 64 yards, 2 receptions, 6 yards

WR

Jerricho Cotchery, NYJ

Cotchery was solid in Week 10 against the Cleveland Browns, catching a wide open touchdown in the contest.

Cotchery suffered a strained groin in the game, which could prevent him from playing Week 11.

Cotchery is a premiere route runner and has the most reliable hands on the team. Although he isn’t the best fantasy option, he is a solid receiver and could put up stats any given week because he is the most trustworthy receiver on the team.

Hines Ward, PIT:

Hines Ward suffered a concussion during Week 10 against the New England Patriots in the first quarter.

Ward appears set on playing Week 11 but it is definitely a situation fantasy owners need to be concerned about.

The NFL has been extremely strict on making sure players receive more than enough attention heading into the next week, and players must pass post-concussion tests in order to ensure their playing status.

Ward is one of the toughest players in the game and should play Week 11 but it remains to be seen if it will alter his play in any way.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Brandon Marshall, MIA: 3 receptions, 34 yards

Randy Moss, TEN: 1 reception, 26 yards

Steve Smith, CAR: 3 reception3, 47 yards

Reggie Wayne, IND: 3 receptions, 34 yards

Mike Sims-Walker, JAX: 3 receptions, 26 yards

Last Week’s Falling WRs in Week 10:

Wes Welker, NE: 8 receptions, 89 yards

Miles Austin, DAL: 2 receptions, 68 yards, TD

TE

Chris Cooley, WAS

The chemistry between Donovan McNabb and Cooley appears to be waning.

Cooley only caught three passes for 23 yards in a blowout loss to the Eagles Week 10.

In a game where the Redskins were playing catch up the entire time, it would have been nice to see Cooley utilized more in the passing game because of the mismatches he presents.

I would not expect to see Cooley excel against the Tennessee Titans Week 11.

Other Notable Performances and Notes:

Tony Moeaki, KC: 1 reception, 34 yards

Dustin Keller, NYJ: 3 receptions, 25 yards

Jason Witten, DAL: 1 reception, 7 yards

Aaron Hernandez, NE: Held without a reception

Visanthe Shiancoe, MIN: 4 reception, 29 yards

 Last Week’s Falling TE in Week 10:

Brent Celek, PHI: 2 receptions, 8 yards