MMR, fantasy football, NFL, injuries, player updatesIt is time to put starting running backs around the NFL of full alert: Week 10 proved to be a treacherous one for many of the league’s best ball carriers.

Six big fantasy names found their way to the MMR this morning with some pretty serious ailments. Several of these players’ statuses will be up in the air for week 11 and beyond.

This week’s injury updates after a little fantasy lagniappe:

*In a game that was a defensive battle most of the day, Aaron Rodgers helped the Packers bounce back in a big way against the Cowboys yesterday. From a fantasy perspective it was a solid outing for Rodgers, yet again. He certainly has lived up to his top-5 fantasy quarterback billing so far this year.

*Bye weeks are done for the rest of the 2009 season, thank goodness. While only the Texans and Giants were idle this weekend, I for one missed the services of Matt Schaub and Brandon Jacobs. Now if only fantasy owners can avoid key injuries, more than enough of which popped up this week as seen below.

*Chris Johnson is a friggin’ fantasy beast. He posted another studly effort yesterday for his owners by dropping the following stats: 132 rushing yards, nine receptions, 100 receiving yards, two touchdowns. Does anyone else on the Titans’ offense do anything?

Michael Turner [RB, Falcons]

From RotoWorld:

Turner was in a boot after Sunday’s loss, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the injury “could be serious.” The ankle doesn’t appear to be broken, but there were initial indications that Turner may have a high ankle sprain.

There are rumblings that Turner’s injury may be serious as in a high ankle sprain, which would keep him out of action for several weeks.

Jason Snelling took over as the primary ball carrier in Turner’s absence and had a service-able day against the Panthers yesterday. He will be a hot add this week off the waiver wire.

Meanwhile, preseason sleeper Jerious Norwood continues to slumber.

Ronnie Brown [RB, Dolphins]

From RotoWorld:

Ronnie Brown left the stadium on crutches after injuring his right ankle in Sunday’s two-point win over Tampa Bay.

If Brown were to miss any time, Ricky Williams steps into the leading role on the offense. Brown owners without the services of Williams have this week — if the trade deadline has not passed in your league — to trade for handcuff Williams.

It might be a good idea, as Brown’s injury could cost him several weeks. The good news as of late last night is that Brown’s X-rays came back negative. The bad news, however, is that the Dolphins have to turn around and play on Thursday night this week which does not give Brown much time to get healthy.

Julius Jones [RB, Seahawks]

From RotoWorld:

Julius Jones left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals with a chest injury.

Jones has a broken rib and experienced some bleeding in his lung according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He stayed in an Arizona hospital last night while the rest of the Seahawks traveled back home to Seattle.

Justin Forsett picked up the slack in the Seahawks’ rushing game yesterday to the tune of 123 yards rushing and a score. He is the appropriate add for Jones owners and could see starting running back action for the next few weeks while Jones recovers.

Brian Westbrook [RB, Eagles]

From ProFootballTalk:

The Eagles announced that Westbrook was knocked out of Sunday’s game against San Diego in the fourth quarter with another concussion.    The setback illustrates how scary head injuries can be.  A player can be medically cleared and you still never know what will happen when he returns to a game situation.

There are whispers that this injury, Westbrook’s second head injury in three weeks, could jeopardize his status for the rest of this season. And some even are wondering if this could end his career earlier than expected.

Many Westbrook owners tied LeSean McCoy to him earlier this year via fantasy football drafts. If not, this would be the week to go out and buy McCoy if he is available. He figures to get much, much more work going forward for Philly.

Clinton Portis [RB, Redskins]

From ProFootballTalk:

With “ongoing ringing” in Clinton Portis’ head, questions are starting to surface in Washington about when the running back will be able to return to the lineup.  Like, whether he’ll be able to return at all.

Ladell Betts filled in nicely for Portis as the Redskins knocked off the reeling Broncos yesterday. He and Rock Cartwright will continue to carry the load, health willing, in Portis’ absence.

Washington may be in no rush to bring Portis back if Betts and Co. can keep the ground game rolling.

Cedric Benson [RB, Bengals]

From ProFootballTalk:

With rumors linking Johnson to the Bengals already growing, the absence of starter Cedric Benson from Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh due to a hip injury could prompt the team to get Johnson in the building sooner rather than later.

Rumors of Larry Johnson to the Bengals will only intensify early this week as Benson is expected to sit out of practice until the end of the week at the earliest.

Right now, rookie Bernard Scott is the appropriate add for fantasy owners. He should be a popular add this week. Brian Leonard also is an option for fantasy owners in deep leagues. Johnson is a speculative pick-up at best.

Benson owners, meanwhile, need to hold their breaths.

Kyle Orton [QB, Broncos]

From ProFootballTalk:

With Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton hobbled by an ankle injury suffered in the second quarter of Sunday’s game at Washington, Chris Simms has replaced Orton to start the second half.

Orton was off to a good start yesterday with two first-half touchdown passes to Brandon Marshall before leaving the game with an ankle injury. He was listed as doubtful to return to the game and his status for next week might be the same.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the regular season. If you have an injury update or want an update on a certain player, please leave a note in the comments.

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