Fantasy Football: The Missing Key

Injuries plague many teams throughout the NFL season, but that's not the only thing that keeps players off the field. Plaxico Burress and Santonio Holmes are prime examples of players that missed time for something other than an injury. And now we have to look at the possible repercussions of Larry Johnson's assault case as well.

All three of these guys mean something to their teams; they are an integral part of their team's offense. Not only that, they are an integral part of many fantasy owner's teams, owner's that are scrambling to find last-minute replacements in case any of them become deactivated.

Let's look at each player and figure out who might take their place on each team and therefore could be worth a pickup in the near future.

Plaxico Burress, NYG:

Burress seemed like he was turning a curve last season. He played the majority of the season injured and made his fantasy owners sweat each week wondering if he was going to step on the field or not. Then he starting missing practices and team meetings this season, as if he thought he was above the rest of the team. The last straw was when he missed a training session last week to work on his injured shoulder.

The Giants retaliation? Fines and loss of playing time.

Burress not only didn't start Sunday against the Steelers, he had just three catches for 15 yards, causing much consternation around the fantasy world. And while the Giants won, their offense struggled without him.

The solution?

Eli Manning spread the love between Derrick Ward (five receptions) and Kevin Boss (four receptions).

If Burress behaves himself by showing up to all of his training sessions, practices, team meetings and not mouthing off to the media, he should start and play this week against the Cowboys.

The Giants will surely need him if they expect to win. Keep an eye on Burress this week to see how he acts.  If he reverts back to his old ways, start looking at Kevin Boss as a potential pickup as Derrick Ward is taken in most leagues.

Who are some other troubled NFL superstars? And what sort of impact does it have on the fantasy world? Click here to read more.