Kenny Britt Injury: How Is Chris Johnson's Fantasy Value vs Broncos Affected?

The Tennessee Titans' offensive leader, wide receiver Kenny Britt, had to leave practice on Wednesday with hamstring tightness. Hamstring issues are nothing new to Britt, who missed games last year and part of preseason and training camp this year because of them.

If he is forced to sit out of this week's game against the Denver Broncos, then the Titans need the rest of their offense to step up and assume the load that Britt has so deftly carried in the first two games.

Britt, who had a breakout 2010 season, is off to the best start of his career, leading the AFC in receiving yards, and is second in the league to the Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith.

Britt and Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck have gotten on the same page in seemingly no time, and with star running back Chris Johnson struggling to gain any meaningful yardage, Britt is the biggest asset of the Titans offense in this young season.

If Britt cannot play this week, Johnson needs to step up. However, it is unclear if he will or if he can. So far this season, Johnson has gained just 77 yards on 33 carries, giving him an average 2.3 yards per carry. This is a significant drop from his 4.3-yard average in 2010 and 5.6-yard average in 2009.

Indeed, the Titans played the Baltimore Ravens last week, and they are notoriously stingy with giving up rushing yards, but Johnson also struggled in their Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The win over the Ravens also proves that the Titans can beat even the most difficult opponents without a major contribution from their star running back.

In a more typical situation, I'd say that Johnson has greater fantasy value with Britt not on the field. However, I don't think this is the case in Tennessee.

The team seems content with relying on the passing game so far, and without Britt out there, I see fellow receiver Nate Washington and tight end Jared Cook having a fantasy football boost rather than Johnson.

In fact, in terms of the Titans running game, backup Javon Ringer has had more statistical success than Johnson, though fewer carries. In his five rushes, he's racked up 21 yards and a touchdown.

Though he won't likely supplant Johnson as the No. 1 Titans running back (for reasons beyond Johnson's new contract), it's clear that a combination of Johnson being out of sync with his offense and being a major defensive target is hurting his production.

Considering Johnson's overall fantasy football value, I wouldn't suggest benching him just yet, even against a Broncos defense that has more success stopping the run than the pass. It is likely the team will have to lean on him more if Britt is out this week, though it is uncertain if that's the wisest strategy.

Don't expect Johnson to fill in for all the points likely due Britt, should Britt miss time due to his hamstring. As time passes, Johnson's numbers are sure to improve, but Britt's presence or absence will have little impact on the matter.