The fantasy football schedule is moving along into Week 8 and with the first NFL game coming on Thursday night, here is a look at some value players that are injured that should be available in most leagues includes Jonathan Stewart, Andre Brown, Michael Crabtree, Percy Harvin and Mario Manningham.
Check here about the ADRIAN PETERSON trade rumors to the Cowboys
Crabtree and Stewart are two very interesting options, as they are expected to return soon, while Harvin and Browns are still a few weeks away. The 49ers would love to have Crabtree back for the back half of the season after also losing Mario Manningham to an injury and according to ESPN.com, they are hoping he is back by November. The team sources said that he could return for the back part of the season and possibly even the postseason, with the playoffs looking more likely for him to come back from his serious Achilles injury.
The team could pull off a trade to get another receiver, but they could get a boost from Manningham, who could play as soon as Sunday, but it is more likely that he will be back fully the following week. Crabtree had a nice season with 85 catches for over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns last season and in his final game of the year in the Super Bowl he had a great game with five catches for 109 yards in the loss. Crabtree could help transform the Niners and while he could be out until the playoffs, he is an easy player to stash.
Stewart, Brown and Harvin are prime add options in ESPN and Yahoo leagues and Stewart is the best bet, as he has a set return that could come on November 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. Stewart said to reporters that he has been feeling much better after injuring his ankle last season against the Eagles and in the offseason he had surgery on both ankles and now he appears to finally be back healthy. The team is 3-3 on the season and he was placed on the PUP list, meaning the team has time to decide about activating him off the list/
Stewart is a productive back when healthy and for a time he was a great tandem with DeAngelo Williams and when he comes back, Ron Rivera is expected to use both extensively. The team has used rookie Kenjon Barner as a back as well this season and they also have Mike Tolbert as a solid backup option. Stewart rushed for just 336 yards last season and the Panthers offense needs him back, as they have a tough stretch with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Patriots coming after the Thursday game against the Buccaneers.
Andre Brown is a solid option once he returns, as the Giants have been DYING to get him back and if he is healthy, he will get the featured amount of carries over Peyton Hillis, especially if David Wilson and Brandon Jacobs are banged up. Brown is on the IR with the designation to return and while he won't be back until Week 10 at least, he is a prime stash option with Percy Harvin, who should be back over the next few weeks.
