The NFL weekend saw some major injuries in Week 8 and heading into Week 9, names like Jeremy Langford, DeAngelo Williams, Mark Ingram CJ Spiller, Kamar Aiken, Carlos Hyde, Geno Smith and Marlon Brown could be injury replacement options for owners. Players like Le'Veon Bell, Reggie Bush, Khiry Robinson and Steve Smith are out for the season, while Matt Forte and Ryan Fitzpatrick could miss time moving forward.
There were some major names that went down on Sunday around the NFL and that makes for some big ramifications for fantasy owners this season. Le'Veon Bell suffered a serious knee injury and has been placed on injured reserve, making DeAngelo Williams the starter. The Steelers also signed Isaiah Pead, but consider Williams to be the only fantasy option right now. Khiry Robinson is out for the season and that should give both Mark Ingram and CJ Spiller a boost in carries.
Matt Forte had to leave on Sunday for the Bears with a knee injury and while he is not out for the season, fantasy owners should go after Jeremy Langford for now. Forte reportedly has an MCL injury, but head coach John Fox says that he likely will not need surgery and may return this season. Forte could miss time going forward and he has been one of the most productive backs in football, putting up over 700 total yards this season. Langford had 46 yards in the game against the Vikings and he will be worth picking up for next week against the Chargers on Monday night football.
Reggie Bush was also lost for the season and he was not the only 49ers running back to deal with an injury, as Mike Davis reportedly broke his hand as well. Davis and Carlos Hyde are options moving forward despite the injuries, as Bush reportedly has a torn ACL and will not return this season for the Niners. Bush dealt with multiple injuries this season and was not much of a fantasy contributor for owners. Keenan Allen is dealing with an injury and the Chargers could have him out for the rest of the season. Players like Steve Johnson and Malcom Floyd could be options to step in.
Steve Smith is out for the season with an Achilles injury and that makes Kamar Aiken a prime pickup for fantasy owners. Aiken has been getting some extra looks already this season with the Ravens previously dealing with injuries and now he should have an even bigger role with Smith out for the season. Aiken has 25 catches for 333 yards this season and he comes in after having six catches for 62 yards against the Chargers.
Geno Smith is not a great fantasy option, but with Ryan Fitzpatrick going down and now may great available QB's out there, Smith could be an emergency option for owners. Smith had two touchdowns against the Raiders on Sunday and next week the Jets have a solid matchup with the Jaguars. For at least one week Smith could be a viable option after throwing for 265 yards and rushing for 34 yards last season. For the Saints, fantasy owners should look at Spiller, as he now will be the main backup for Mark Ingram with Khiry Robinson done for the year.
Check here for more on NFL injuries in Week 8 and updates on those players.
