Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: 4 Running Backs To Fill Injury Void

The injuries are beginning to pile up at running back, and that means the opportunities to snag backups are something to jump on right now.

Here are three guys that are on the waiver wire this week (available in over 50 percent of all ESPN fantasy leagues), but will likely be long gone next week:

Kendall Hunter - San Francisco 49ers

In limited action on Sunday, he looked like a faster, stronger and quicker Frank Gore. His lack of hesitation hitting the hole was the reason Hunter landed in the end zone for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

His body type and style of play is very reminiscent of Ray Rice.

With the oft-injured Gore’s status for Week 4 up in the air, grab Hunter now before the rest of your league catches on.

Montario Hardesty - Cleveland Browns

Strep throat keeping Peyton Hillis out of action and Hardest stepped in, got 17 touches and produced 86 yards.

With Hillis likely to return in Week 4 against the Titans, I wouldn’t recommend starting him right away. Monitor his progress as the season rolls on as his elusive style of play perfectly compliments Hillis’ smash-mouth way of carrying the football.

Hardesty is a must-handcuff for all Hillis owners.

Dexter McCluster - Kansas City Chiefs

His debut game replacing Jamaal Charles didn’t go particularly well (15 touches for 33 yards), but it’s too early to give up hope.

He will likely be splitting carries with Thomas Jones for the rest of the year, but it’s his receiving skills that will make him a worthy fantasy player.

He had five catches for only 17 yards because each time he caught the ball he had no room to move.

With QB Matt Cassel refusing the ball down the field, he will be dumping the ball off to his backs quite often. McCluster is very explosive and will be getting more than enough opportunities to turn a small gain into a 75-yard touchdown.

Add in his kick return duties and there are a lot of opportunities to score you big points.