Miles Austin Injury: 5 Fantasy Targets to Replace Injured Cowboys' Star

It's been an exceptionally tough year for the Dallas Cowboys, especially on the injury front.

Offensively, they have been plagued by the injury bug.

Quarterback Tony Romo has been banged up all year, wide receiver Dez Bryant has been playing through pain, and now Miles Austin has apparently re-injured his hamstring, according to Todd Archer of ESPN Dallas:

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Miles Austin appeared to strain his right hamstring on a 37-yard catch in the second quarter, continuing a season-long problem with the injury. 

Austin suffered the injury in training camp and sat out a few workouts and then re-injured it at San Francisco in Week 2. He missed the next two games before returning Oct. 16 at New England. He had 12 catches in the three games before his return. 

Austin, who has two catches for 53 yards, has his right leg wrapped in ice. He pulled up as he was out of bounds. He is questionable to return. 

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This is not only bad news for the Cowboys and Austin, but it's bad news for fantasy owners who are trusting in the wideout.

Hamstrings have a tendency to linger, so it may be time to start considering your other options.

At this point of the season, most of your options have to come from the waiver wire, but you may be lucky and find one of these players on your bench.

Here are five fantasy replacements for Austin:

Deion Branch, New England Patriots

There is no doubt that Tom Brady can sling the ball around, and even at his old age Branch is still one of his favorite targets.

He's put up three touchdowns so far and should be a good play against the Giants. The Patriots defense can't seem to stop anybody, so they are going to have to rely on their offense to score a ton of points.

Michael Jenkins, Minnesota Vikings

Jenkins is getting dropped in a ton of leagues right now because his team is on a bye week, and some owners don't know what to do when that happens.

He's not a star, but he is a reliable receiver for rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.

Jenkins' numbers may have suffered under Donovan McNabb, so I expect them to pick up.

Roy Williams, Chicago Bears

Believe it or not, Williams may become a good fantasy option, especially in this desperate situation.

Jay Cutler can get him the ball, it just comes down to him catching it.

He's only got one touchdown so far, but all the reports on him are stating that he's starting to find a groove with the Bears.

James Jones, Green Bay Packers

For some reason fantasy owners stray away from Jones, but he's an exceptional sleeper pick.

He may be third or fourth on the Packers depth chart, but Rodgers loves to spread the ball around.

He also likes to look Jones' way in big moments, especially considering he usually matches up against the defenses weaker coverage players.

Laurent Robinson, Dallas Cowboys

Let's stick with Austin's own team for this option.

Robinson has come up with some big catches this season, with the Cowboys desperate for production at the wide receiver position.

He's got 19 receptions for 336 yards and a touchdown so far, and in my opinion, he's the best replacement on your fantasy squad.