Week 5 Fantasy Football Start Em Sit Em: Antonio Gates and 3 Injured Busts

First of all, you never want to play someone who doesn't end up playing. That's an obvious statement, but it never hurts to say it.

In the case of all of these players, we're not sure if they are going to play. But even if they do, they are better left on your bench.

Antonio Gates

Gates has not practiced this week. Now, I understand the upside of playing him.

Denver's pass defense is not especially strong and if Gates plays, the potential is huge.

But San Diego has no need to rush Gates back into action. This is a game that the Chargers will win and win easily with or without Gates.

Tight end isn't a deep position, but there are some good names on waiver wires everywhere. Resist the temptation and go in another direction. If Gates isn't practicing, he's probably not playing.

Ben Roethlisberger

Unless you're in a really deep league, you probably have a decent backup quarterback. Even if not, there is probably a decent waiver wire quarterback out there.

Now, Roethlisberger's value will come later in the year. He's a great cold weather quarterback and Pittsburgh's offensive line promises to get better as the season progresses.

But right now, Pittsburgh's offense is a mess. Given the injury that Roethlisberger suffered last week, he's not a great fantasy option for Week 5.

Devery Henderson

By name value, Henderson doesn't quite match Gates or Roethlisberger. But given how he's performed through the early season, I make no apologies for linking him in with these two.

I was a big fan of this guy during the time when Marques Colston was out of action. But now, Colston is going to be back in the full swing of things.

Even with Colston being eased into action, Henderson didn't catch a single pass last week. Now, they are playing a defense that just allowed a huge rushing day.

It only makes sense that they will run the ball a little more than they have been. With Colston and Lance Moore back in action, Henderson is at best New Orleans' third best receiver.

Throw that on top of the fact that he's listed as questionable, and Henderson is best left on your bench.