Fantasy Football Week 12: Patrick Crayton Injured, Vincent Jackson Set To Return

San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers will need to deal with another injury setback to his wide receiver corps, as Patrick Crayton was injured last night in San Diego's 35-14 win over the Denver Broncos.

A league source has told ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter that Crayton suffered a dislocated wrist and will have an MRI done Tuesday to determine the length of the recovery needed.

It's possible Crayton could be lost for the season, but this situation is not unfamiliar to the Chargers this season.

Injuries have been a major issue on offense for San Diego this year, but Rivers has adapted extremely well.

Rivers has seen several of his best offensive weapons miss time due to injuries/suspensions/holdouts, including Vincent Jackson, Antonio Gates, Malcom Floyd, Ryan Mathews and now Crayton.

The offense hasn't missed a beat, and Rivers is on pace to set historic passing totals and has a legitimate chance to break Dan Marino's all-time single season passing yardage record of 5,084.

With Crayton expected to miss at least a few weeks, let's take a look at what this injury means for the fantasy football situation for the Chargers.

Philip Rivers Is Used to His Best Wide Receivers Going Down

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers won 35-14. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

In nearly every game this season, when Philip Rivers looks downfield at his available wide receivers, his most reliable and most talented guys are usually missing.

Rivers has been without Vincent Jackson, his No. 1 receiver, the entire season. All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates has played through injuries all season but has found the strength to play in several games.

Malcom Floyd has also missed multiple games after he started the season tremendously. Floyd returned in last night's big win vs. division rival Denver, catching a touchdown pass from Rivers.

Rivers has consistently led the San Diego Chargers offense at a high level, no matter who goes down to injury each week.

The fact that Rivers has a great shot to break Dan Marino's single season passing yards record is a testament to his MVP-caliber season so far.

Very few quarterbacks elevate their play when their best players go down, but Rivers has found a way.

Vincent Jackson Is Eligible for the First Time Sunday Night Vs. Indianapolis

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - JANUARY 31: Vincent Jackson #83 of the AFC's San Diego Chargers jogs on the field during the 2010 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl game at Sun Life Stadium on January 31, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The AFC defeated the NFC 41-34. (Photo by Scott

There's a reason shots from last year's Pro Bowl are the most recent photos of Vincent Jackson. Jackson has not played this season due to a league suspension and his holdout.

Jackson sought a new contract early in the year and then had to serve a league suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Jackson is eligible to play in Week 12 vs. the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night.

San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers will be delighted to see his No. 1 receiver return. The Chargers have seen their entire offense decimated by injuries but have done an amazing job of being a top five offense through 11 weeks.

Jackson gives Rivers a reliable target, and there's no doubt he will get many looks throughout the game.

Start Jackson in any type of league because he needs to establish a rhythm with Rivers, and they will work on that from the start Sunday night.

Patrick Crayton's Very Good Season Could Be Over

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Wide receiver Patrick Crayton #12 of the San Diego Chargers reaches the ball over the goal line as he is tackled by cornerback Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos to finish a 40 yard pass play and run for a touchdown at Qualcomm

After several seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Patrick Crayton joined the San Diego Chargers in 2010.

Many injuries to the top Chargers receivers saw Crayton become the No. 1 receiver as of late, but an injury suffered last night vs. the Broncos will see his season come to halt.

A league source told ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter that Crayton would be undergoing an MRI Tuesday, which will determine if Crayton will be gone for the season or only a few weeks.

Wrist injuries are very tough for receivers, who make their living catching and blocking with their hands.

Fantasy owners have been pleased with Crayton's season so far. After many picked him up off the waiver wire, Crayton became a No. 1 and 2 wide receiver option.

Last night Crayton caught three passes for 105 yards with one touchdown. In total, Crayton has 28 catches for 514 yards this season.

Crayton's injury will be more clear on Tuesday, but whatever the outcome, it is safe to bench or drop him in your league.

Unless you want to hold on to Crayton if you play in a keeper league, he has little value to owners for the rest of the season, especially now that fellow receivers Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd are back.

Mike Tolbert and the Rushing Attack Must Give the Offense Balance

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SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Mike Tolbert #35 of the San Diego Chargers breaks a tackle against Nate Jones #33 of the Denver Broncos as he rushes for a gain at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Mike Tolbert has done a very nice job of maintaining an offensive balance between the passing game and the rushing game this season.

Tolbert scored a touchdown last night vs. Denver and was effective all game.

His physical build and powerful running make him a great choice for any down, but especially in goal line situations.

With first round pick Ryan Mathews missing multiple games due to injury, Tolbert has joined fellow running back Darren Sproles to form a great combination.

The Chargers' rushing attack can be a huge help to Philip Rivers' already historic passing game.

Tolbert will continue to get lots of rush attempts and is a solid tier two running back choice in most leagues.

Malcom Floyd Was Likely to Reduce Patrick Crayton's Importance

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SAN DIEGO - AUGUST 21: Wide receiver Malcolm Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers catches a pass against Terence Newman #41 of the Dallas Cowboys during their pre-season NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium on August 21, 2010 in San Diego, California. (

Before going down with an injury, Malcom Floyd was having a great season with Philip Rivers.

Floyd has started seven games this season, including last night's win vs. Denver. He has caught 26 passes for 537 yards and four touchdowns.

Floyd was a major threat to opposing defenses before he got hurt, and in Week 5 vs. the Oakland Raiders, he caught eight passes for 213 yards and a touchdown.

In his place, Patrick Crayton performed very well in carrying the burden of being the No. 1 receiver. 

With Floyd now healthy enough to play, Crayton was likely to see his fantasy production drop even if he did not sustain a wrist injury last night.

Floyd is a good option to start in Week 12 if you have injury holes to fill, but as a No. 1 or 2 option, you should probably find a better player.

Chargers Remain a Team Full of Fantasy Football Stars

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SAN DIEGO - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks down field for an open receiver against the Tennessee Titans in the game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 31, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Chargers defeated the Tit

Even with the multitude of injuries the San Diego Chargers have sustained this season on offense, they are still a team full of players to start this week for your fantasy football team.

Philip Rivers is the No. 1 fantasy quarterback, and his best receiver, Vincent Jackson, will return for his first action this season in Week 12 vs. the Colts Sunday night.

Running backs Darren Sproles and Mike Tolbert should also be considered starters this week. Rivers likes to incorporate his running backs into the passing game, especially with screen passes.

The San Diego Chargers are 5-5 and are in a competitive race for the AFC West title. Nobody is sitting to rest for anything. It's all or nothing in San Diego, and fantasy owners should be excited.

Injuries like Patrick Crayton's last night will hurt the offensive rhythm, but the Chargers have adapted to injures all year and haven't missed a beat.