Week 4 Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: 3 Injured Stars You Must Start

As a fantasy owner, there is nothing worse than when one of your star players is nursing an injury throughout the week. It sends your lineup into a state of flux, and even if the injured player does suit up, there is no guarantee that he'll be effective.

Here are three players who, despite their injuries, should be in your fantasy lineup this week, although that is obviously subject to change if their conditions worsen later in the week.

Peyton Hillis, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis' sitting out last week's game came as a big surprise and stung many fantasy owners who couldn't get him out of their lineups in time. Hillis came down with strep throat late in the week and was unable to play against the Miami Dolphins.

With a week's worth of recovery time, Hillis should be good to go on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Despite beating Miami last week, Hillis' presence in both the running and passing games was certainly felt by the Browns. Hillis is the focal point of Cleveland's offense, so as long as he's on the field, he should be in your lineup.

Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was limited by a foot injury against the New England Patriots two weeks ago, and it showed as he failed to make a catch. Gates proceeded to miss last week's game against Kansas City altogether, leaving his owners in a precarious position.

Gates first started having foot problems in 2007, so it's certainly concerning that he continues to miss games with the ailment. When Gates plays, though, even at partial strength, he is far and away the best fantasy player at his position. Monitor his situation closely, but as long as he starts against Miami Sunday, he should start for you as well.

Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders

After tearing up the vaunted New York Jets' defense for 171 yards through three quarters Sunday, Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden left the game with an apparent groin injury. The injury is a bit worrisome because of McFadden's injury history, but neither McFadden nor head coach Hue Jackson seem particularly concerned.

McFadden is quickly developing into perhaps the NFL's best and most explosive running back. He is scheduled to face a New England Patriot defense on Sunday that is likely to be overcompensating against the pass. The Buffalo Bills gashed them on the ground last week as well, though, so McFadden should have another big game provided he plays.