Michael Vick Injury: Should Fantasy Owners Still Keep Mike Kafka?

Now that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick is playing today against the New York Giants, that doesn't mean that fantasy owners who picked up Mike Kafka should drop the backup just yet.

Just as it's smart fantasy football strategy to pick up the backup to a starting running back as a handcuff and insurance policy in case of injury, it is equally as intelligent for Vick's owners to hold onto Kafka, for the same reason.

Vick, a quarterback prone to injury due in part to his style of play and weak offensive line protection, suffered a concussion in the Eagles' Week 2 loss against the Atlanta Falcons.

Any talk of Vick being an elite quarterback, both in fantasy football and in real life, is always presented with the caveat of whether or not he can stay healthy. Based on what we've seen already this season, it looks like it will be difficult for Vick to start every game at this rate.

At the same time, Kafka is more than capable enough of picking up where Vick left off should he be called to do so, as he has the benefit of the Eagles' many offensive weapons to elevate his game.

Vick's owners would be well-served to pick up, and keep, Kafka on their benches in the event that Vick gets hurt again. As a backup quarterback, Kafka has a tremendous amount of upside, and doesn't appear to be that significant of a drop-off from Vick should you need to use him as an injury replacement.

It is already clear that Vick isn't immune to injury in 2011, and there are still 14 games left to play. With that in mind, and barring any better options, Vick's fantasy owners should retain Kafka on their benches for the remainder of the season.