MMR, fantasy football, NFL, injuries, player updatesIf Week 10 was the week of running back lower-leg injuries, quarterbacks and head injuries was the theme of the week 11 injury slate.

Two high-profile QBs left their respective games yesterday — at crucial moments, nonetheless — and could be in jeopardy going forward. With all the attention that has been given to head injuries of late, even a minor concussion could keep these players off the field in week 12 and beyond.

Updates on these quarterbacks and more in this week’s MMR below.

But first, this week’s fantasy lagniappe:

*To many the game may have been a joke, but Browns-Lions yesterday was full of fantasy goodness. I am going to pat myself on the back for predicting a few big things from this game last week. Matthew Stafford threw five touchdowns after a slow start and tight end Brandon Pettigrew caught the game winner. Phil Dawson registered double digits in the kicking department. However, the Lions’ defense gave up a ton of points, mostly via Brady Quinn’s arm (four touchdown passes).

*If you traded for Greg Jennings last week in preparation for the fantasy playoffs, congrats. He made a few big plays yesterday reminiscent of the Jennings we all loved last season and this past summer in fantasy rankings. The schedule remains relatively favorable for Jennings and the Packers.

*Last week’s waiver wire adds came up big in week 11, most of whom were filling in for injured fantasy starts. Jason Snelling scored twice in Michael Turner’s stead. Justin Forsett had trouble on the ground but made up for it with a short rushing touchdown and 80 yards receiving. And Bernard Scott topped 100 yards in the Bengals loss to the Raiders.

Ben Roethlisberger [QB, Steelers]

From ProFootballTalk:

On the first drive of overtime against the Chiefs, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger took a knee to the head while running with the ball after the pocket broke down.

It was the worst possible time for the Steelers to lose Big Ben. After he left, Charlie Batch came in and was unable to drive Pittsburgh far enough into Kansas City territory for the chance at a game-winning field goal.

So Pittsburgh punted, and the rest is history as Matt Cassel and Chris Chambers led the Chiefs to victory.

Roethlisberger’s owners should be concerned about the seriousness of the injury to Big Ben. With all the attention concussions have been getting lately in the NFL, there is a growing chance he could miss some time. Keep a close watch for comments out of Pittsburgh early this week regarding Roethlisberger’s status.

Brandon Jacobs [RB, Giants]

From RotoWorld:

Brandon Jacobs said after Sunday’s win that his knee injury is not an issue, and he could have gone back in the game if necessary.

Jacobs got dinged up in yesterday’s win against Atlanta but was able to punch in a touchdown before leaving the game. His fantasy owners at least had that before he retreated to the sidelines for the rest of the affair.

The Giants play on Thursday night this week, so the Giants will have to issue an injury report sometime later today. See how Jacobs’ status is listed and prepare for the use of a replacement if necessary. If he cannot practice by Wednesday, Jacobs would be a risky play against Denver.

Ladell Betts [RB, Redskins]

From ProFootballTalk:

Betts left the game with an injury to his left knee on the team’s second possession, and coach Jim Zorn told reporters after the game that the running back tore his MCL.

So much for using Betts any longer during Clinton Portis’ absence.

Betts is done for fantasy purposes this year and is a safe drop. Fantasy owners could add Redskins’ third-string running back Rock Cartwright off the waiver wire this week if there are no other options. He played well in Betts’ absence yesterday.

Clinton Portis [RB, Redskins]

From RotoWorld:

The Redskins have already ruled out Clinton Portis (concussion) for Week 12, coach Jim Zorn revealed Sunday.

No Portis and no Betts next week will mean more Rock Cartwright, as mentioned above. He is the appropriate add  for fantasy owners this week.

Meanwhile, the Redskins have given no timetable for Portis’ return year. Chances are good that Washington will bring in a free agent running back or two this week to fill out the roster behind Cartwright.

Marshawn Lynch [RB, Bills]

From ProFootballTalk:

Marshawn Lynch was carted off the field Sunday after injuring his shoulder in the second quarter.

Lynch apparently was upbeat after the game, which could be a good sign for his status going forward.

If he is unable to get back on the practice field this week, however, Fred Jackson becomes an interesting commodity once again. He already has proven to be an effective fantasy player with Lynch out of the lineup and could make for a good spot start next weekend for a desperate fantasy owner.

Kurt Warner [QB, Cardinals]

From ProFootballTalk:

With Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner suffering from a possible concussion, Matt Leinart has entered the fray in St. Louis.

The momentum in this game tangibly changed after Warner left. The Rams continued to pound the ball with Steven Jackson and the defense started to gain some confidence against the Leinart-led Cardinals’ offense, but it was too little too late for St. Louis.

While Leinart was effective from an accuracy standpoint, he appeared to hesitate on a few of his passes which allowed St. Louis a few opportunities down the stretch. Fantasy owners need to hope Warner’s head injury is not as serious as a concussion so that he can return to the lineup next weekend.

Matthew Stafford [QB, Lions]

From RotoWorld:

X-rays came back negative on Matthew Stafford’s left shoulder following Sunday’s 38-37 win over Cleveland.

Stafford showed a lot of heart and guts in leading the Lions back to win against Cleveland yesterday, coming back into the game to throw the game-winning touchdown after getting knocked out one play prior.

His status for Thursday is unknown right now but the Lions will have to issue an injury report later today. He could be listed as questionable as he appeared to be in a ton of pain during and after the game.

Reggie Bush [RB, Saints]

From ProFootballTalk:

Saints running back Reggie Bush was initially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers, but he has been ruled out and will not play.

Bush was not active yesterday and watched as Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell ran through the Buccaneers defense yesterday in Tampa Bay. He is expected to return for next Monday’s home game against New England, and he typically fares well on Monday Night Football.

However, Bush will not be safe to use in fantasy leagues if he does not get in a full practice by the end of this week.

Justin Gage [WR, Titans]

From ProFootballTalk:

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Gage has been ruled out for Monday night’s game against the Houston Texans with a back injury.

Gage has multiple fractures in his back, which is bad — but not as bad as it sounds. The injury, which Gage suffered two weeks ago, typically heals within a couple of weeks, so Gage might be back on the field next week.

Gage is out tonight, which means Kenny Britt could be in for a few more targets once again. The rookie has been impressive at times this season, especially when filling in for the injured Gage.

It is hard to trust any Titans’ receivers, however, with Vince Young at quarterback. He does not appear to favor any at this point and could be a little inconsistent in the passing game going forward.

Brian Westbrook [RB, Eagles]

From ProFootballTalk:

Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook is expected to miss at least three weeks following his latest concussion, coach Andy Reid said today.

The Eagles are taking the cautious approach with Westbrook now that he has suffered his second concussion of the season. Seems like the right thing to do.

But they are reluctant to end his season just yet, which means he could return for the fantasy playoffs. If he gets a clean bill of health by then, it will be interesting to see if the Eagles do throw him back into the fire and if fantasy owners do 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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