Peyton Manning Injury: 5 Long-Term Fantasy Replacements for Colts' Star QB

With news starting to break about Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Peyton Manning will not play much, if at all, for the rest of the 2011 season, fantasy owners that were still holding out hope need to move fast.

Colts’ owner Jim Irsay said on twitter regarding the timetable for Manning’s return to the team:

What does this mean for you, the fantasy owner? It means you need to drop Peyton Manning and pick up or trade for another player that can save your season from the grips of despair.

Curtis Painter: While Curtis Painter hasn’t proved anything in regular season competition, the fact that he walked onto the field for his second drive against the tough Pittsburgh Steelers and marched the ball down the field has to give Colts and fantasy owners hope.

It still has to be seen what Indianapolis does with Kerry Collins, but if the team goes with Painter, I think he would do a much better job using the weapons the Colts have than Collins ever could.

Matt Cassel: The Kansas City Chiefs may be atrocious in the run game with the injury to Jamaal Charles. You can expect a ton of passing from Matt Cassel when the defense gives up a huge chunk of points each game.

With the failures of the Chiefs in the first three weeks of the season, Cassel may be on the waiver wire, but you could trade for him with a small bargaining chip.

Sam Bradford: While this may take a more substantial trade, buy low on Sam Bradford now because the St. Louis Rams have an easier schedule in the second half of the season.

With the owner of Bradford looking at his recent struggles, you can trade a small piece to your puzzle for a starting quarterback that will regain his dominance in the second half of the season.

Cam Newton: With a bad game in Jacksonville in Week 3, buying low will be easier, but this move will still cost you a solid player no matter when you try to trade for Newton.

The Carolina Panthers rookie will have a stellar season, and if you are really desperate for a quarterback because of the loss of Peyton Manning and maybe Michael Vick, Newton will provide the most bang for your buck.

Rex Grossman: The Washington Redskins are one of the biggest surprises in the 2011 NFL season, and you can share that love when you pick up or trade for Rex Grossman in your fantasy league.

While this may cost you more than you ever anticipated to pay for a Washington Redskins quarterback, it will be well worth it when he has one of the best seasons a Redskins quarterback has had in decades.

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