Cedric Benson: Updates on Bengals RB's Suspension and Week 8 Fantasy Value

Cedric Benson's looming suspension has been a dark cloud hovering over his head all season, but we finally have insight.

UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6:19 p.m. EDT

Cedric Benson tried to appeal his suspension again, but was denied and will be forced to sit out Week 8, according to NBC's Mike Florio.

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"On Friday, Bengals running back Cedric Benson presented to an outside arbitrator a grievance regarding his one-game suspension (plus one-game fine) for violation of the league’s personal conduct policy during the lockout.  Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the grievance has been rejected.

Benson didn’t expect to play on Sunday, even if he prevailed.  It’s somewhat surprising that the ruling came as quickly as it did.

He’ll be eligible to rejoin the team on Monday."

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UPDATE: Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 2:15 p.m. EDT by Brandon Galvin

Great news for Bengals fans and Benson's fantasy owners. It appears that Benson will only miss one, not three, games this season due to suspension, according to NFL's Jason La Canfora. 

We have some breaking news on Cedric Benson and his possible pending suspension courtesy of John Clayton over at ESPN.com.

First, the news Benson’s fantasy owners would like to hear:

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Word coming out of Cincinnati is that Bengals halfback Cedric Benson, facing a three-game suspension, may be able to have two or three more weeks on the field while he appeals. ... The good news for the 4-2 Bengals is that they have a bye week and then a trip to Seattle, which gives them a chance at a 5-2 record.

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Clayton continues with some bad news, though:

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The concern about Benson, who rushed for 57 tough yards on 16 carries in Sunday's 27-17 victory over Indianapolis, is he could miss AFC North games against Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland from Nov. 13 through Nov. 27 if he loses his appeal.

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Rotoworld makes a good observation about Benson’s backup, Bernard Scott.

They have noted that his workload has increased steadily over the past two weeks, and it could be a sign that the team is getting ready for life without Benson for a few weeks.

Scott had six rushes and two receptions in Week 5 against Jacksonville and 11 carries and a reception last week against Indianapolis.

I expect Scott to get a good number of touches in Week 8 against the Seahawks, which increases his value for fantasy while decreasing Benson’s.

If you own Benson, trading for Scott during the Bengals' bye week is the smartest move you can make.

Keep it tuned here for the latest news regarding Benson and his potential suspension throughout the week.