Week 11 Injury Report
	written by: Anthony Lanza 11/21/2009

We have finally cleared all of the dreaded bye weeks and now can move on with the second half of the season. The only problem with that is the drastic increase in injuries to some key players. It’s times like this that truly show how good of a fantasy owner you really are. With the Turners, Bensons of the world looking to miss time in the next week or two, it’s time to find replacements.

Here is a look at the week eleven injury report and any possible replacements for some of the stars that will be shelved for at least this weekend.

Benson injured the hip in the second quarter against the Steelers last week, and was not able to finish the game. He has not practiced all week, and is extremely doubtful to start.

Fantasy Spin: Without Benson, the Bengals will turn to rookie Bernard Scott. Scott did a lot to impress the team last week, and should have a favorable match-up against the Raiders. Look for a possible Larry Johnson sighting, who was signed earlier in the week. Scott should dominate the touches though.

Buckhalter looked OK earlier in the week, but then sat out practice on Thursday leaving room for concern as to his availability.

Fantasy Spin: Knowshon was taking over as the lead back anyways, so this is not a good sign for Correll owners. Moreno will carry the load against the Chargers, especially with LaMont Jordan out as well.

Orton has not practiced at all this week following the ankle injury late in the first half against the Redskins. The team is leaving the door wide open for Orton to start though.

Fantasy Spin: It will really come down to how well Orton looks in warm-ups before the game on Sunday. If he can’t go, then expect Chris Simms to get the start. Simms is not even close to being a fantasy option.

Turner missed all three practices this week and is listed as doubtful with an ankle sprain. The injury may be severe enough to sideline Turner for multiple weeks.

Fantasy Spin: This is the first serious injury of Turner’s career, so he could recover quickly. In the meantime, look for Jason Snelling to handle the majority of the workload with Jerious Norwood also dinged up.

Sammy Morris RB New England Patriots

Morris did some work this week in practice, and should be a game-time decision against the Jets. Morris has missed about a month with his knee injury.

Fantasy Spin: When Morris is healthy he is a nice RB3/Flex option. If he does not go, expect Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk to split time in the backfield for the Patriots.

Heap suffered an injury to his ribs in the Monday night win over the Browns. He has been limited in practice and will be a game-time decision Sunday against the Colts.

Fantasy Spin: Heap will see how he feels before the game, but he is not the best option even if he can go. The Colts boast a fairly strong defense and will challenge Flacco and the offense all day.

Portis has yet to be medically cleared to participate in any type of contact, and will seek out another opinion on his head this week.

Fantasy Spin: Anytime you are dealing with head injuries and concussions it can be a touchy subject, and a career threatening one. As it stands now, I don’t expect to see Portis back for another couple of weeks. In his absence, look for Ladell Betts to step up like he did last weekend.

Bush missed each practice this week and did not make the trip to Tampa Bay.

Fantasy Spin: Look for Pierre Thomas to tote the rock for the Saints against the Bucs. Mike Bell will be the change of pace back.

Jones suffered the chest injury early in the loss to the Cardinals and did not practice this week. He has been ruled out for this weekends game.

Fantasy Spin: With Jones out of the way for at least a week, Justin Forsett will have a chance to build on his great performance against Arizona last week. Forsett will be going against one of the top defenses in the league, but he should see the ball quite a bit.