Jamaal Charles' Injury and Sir Francis Bacon

What do Jamaal Charles and Sir Francis Bacon (1561–1626) have in common? Probably more than you think.  

Bacon loved science, and was fascinated by its pursuit. In fact, he enjoyed science so much that while examining the effects of freezing on meat for the sake of preservation, he contracted pneumonia, and ultimately died. Unfortunately, sometimes the pursuit of our greatest passions in life can eventually bring about our demise. Charles' passion for football is similar to that of Bacon’s for science, and in the same way—as Charles learned yesterday—giving 100 percent to your passion can produce a tragic result. Only five minutes into Sunday’s game against the Lions, Charles planted awkwardly on his left leg as he ran out of bounds.  The official outcome: a season—ending ACL injury.

This is devastating news foremost for Charles. My heart goes out to a kid who, in many eyes, was expected to lead the NFL in rushing this season.  We won’t know the full impact of his injury until many years down the road, but for Charles’ sake, let’s all hope and pray that he returns to great form by the start of next year.

With that said, many fantasy owners are experiencing great devastation today as well, due to the loss of Charles from their fantasy teams, albeit to a much lesser degree. With 15 weeks still to go in the fantasy season, many are left asking “What is there to do now that my first round pick is done for the year?”

Coincidentally, we can find an answer to this question from Sir Francis Bacon himself, by reading his famous essay called “Of Fortune.” You see, not only was Bacon a dedicated scientist, but in his spare time he also studied Philosophy. His Essay 40, “Of Fortune,” ironically states that “the folly of one man, is the fortune of another. For no man prospers so suddenly, as by others’ errors.”

Now, by no means, would I consider Charles’ injury a mistake, but the outcome is similar in nature.  As a result, according to Bacon, some other man (player) is destined to inherit a fortune of opportunity, which may potentially be accompanied by great prosperity. And as fantasy owners, we would all be remiss not to consider the aftermath of Charles’ injury, despite our disappointment.

In addition to Charles, many other big—name fantasy players suffered notable injuries. Owners must figure out how to replace these players as well.

Therefore, in the coming slides, I will pinpoint who owners should target to help replace their fantasy team's injured players.

Dexter McCluster (for Jamaal Charles)

With Jamaal Charles out for the season, Dexter McCluster will likely benefit the most of all KC rushers, not Thomas Jones.  McCluster has much more game-breaking ability than Jones, evidenced by his 6.4 yards per carry vs. Jones’ 3.3 against the Lions on Sunday. 

McCluster also factors into the passing game, something Jones scarcely participates in. Therefore, despite what will likely be an equal split in touches between McCluster and Jones going forward, the former is the man to own for the remainder of the fantasy season. 

Charles owners should make McCluster their first pick off the waiver wire this week, if possible.

Kevin Ogletree (for Miles Austin)

Miles Austin exploded against the 49ers this past week, but at the very end of the game he reaggravated his preseason hamstring injury. 

Early reports from ESPN Dallas have Austin sitting out through the Cowboys’ bye week (week 5), which means opportunities will abound for other players.  This could spell big things for Kevin Ogletree, the third year pro who was third in targets this past weekend, behind only Austin and tight end Jason Witten. With Dez Bryant still recovering from an injured quad, Ogletree will be primed to put up significant numbers in Dallas’ next game against a suspect Redskins secondary.

Mike Kafka (for Michael Vick)

The images of Michael Vick spitting up blood in Atlanta were not a pretty sight for anyone, much less Vick owners.  The only thing that helped cushion the blow was the sight of third string quarterback Mike Kafka’s strong fill-in performance. 

Kafka went seven for nine for 72 yards in Vick’s absence, looking quite confident in the huddle. It would be smart for Vick owners to grab Kafka as a handcuff, in case Vick can’t return from his concussion in time to face a depleted New York Giants secondary. 

With weapons like Jeremy Maclin and Desean Jackson, Kafka might be able to put up a borderline QB1 performance in week 3hardly a consolation if Vick were to be inactive.

Eric Decker (for Eddie Royal)

With Brandon Lloyd a late scratch for the Broncos Sunday, second-year pro Eric Decker emerged as Kyle Orton’s go-to target.

By the end of the game, Decker had amassed five catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns—a remarkable performance for any receiver. Further helping Decker’s stellar performance was the loss of Eddie Royal at the beginning of the second quarter (Royal injured his groin).

Reports out of Denver today (Denver Post) are calling for Royal to miss two to four weeks because of the injury. Therefore, even if Brandon Lloyd returns in week three, Eric Decker should be able capitalize on Royal’s absence. Given his confidence-inspiring performance with Kyle Orton this past Sunday, Decker should be owned in most leagues.

Donald Nelson (for Roscoe Parrish)

Roscoe Parrish injured his ankle in the first half of Buffalo’s shootout against the Raiders, which allowed second-year pro David Nelson to step in and put up monstrous numbers.  In fact, Nelson finished with the most catches of any receiver in the game, grabbing 10 balls for 83 yards and a touchdown. 

Bills head coach Chan Gailey is calling Parrish’s injury “long-term” in nature (Joe Buscaglia on Twitter), which means plenty of opportunities for Nelson in the coming weeks. 

Make sure to pick him up if he’s still available, especially in PPR leagues.

Rob Gronkowski (for Aaron Hernandez)

Aaron Hernandez was the talk of the town going into week two, coming off a huge seven catch, 103 yard and one touchdown performance against the Dolphins in week one. Hernandez followed it up with nearly an equally impressive performance against San Diego in week two. 

Unfortunately, Hernandez sprained his MCL toward the end of the game, and may miss one or two weeks, according to the Boston Globe.  However, what is Hernandez’s “folly” should be Rob Gronkowski’s “fortune.”  In fact, if it weren’t for Hernandez, Gronkowski would probably be receiving more attention from both the media and Tom Brady. 

Thus far in the season, he has an impressive two week stat line of 10 catches for 172 yards and three scores. There may not be a better tight end to own than Gronkowski during Hernandez’s absence given Tom Brady’s outrageous level of play so far in 2011.