Cut-N-Go is Fantasy Football FanHouse's weekday roundup of the NFL news with fantasy football impact.The season-ending injury to Jets running back Leon Washington is devastating for a number of reasons.
His change-of-pace running style will be sorely missed as will his 4.6 yards-per-carry average. The kick return team will also struggle to find a replacement. In fact, coach Rex Ryan says it will take many players to fill in for Washington.
"Maybe three or four guys have to replace him," Ryan said. "He's so versatile. He's a Pro Bowl returner. Then you've got a back that can run the ball inside and outside. He's not just a change-of-pace type back, he can do it all. He's great out of the backfield, he can protect the quarterback. He can run all that Seminole package and you can flex him out wide as a receiver. Really, he is a great versatile player and there is no way one person can replace him."Colin Stephenson of The Star-Ledger says Shonn Greene, who ran for two touchdowns and 144 yards on Sunday, will pick up most of the carries Washington was getting.
If healthy enough to play, Brad Smith will take over wildcat duties from the injured Leon Washington, says Hank Gola of the New York Daily News.
He's (Ryan) also waiting for Brad Smith to return from a quad injury to take up Washington's spot in the Jets' version of the Wildcat, which Smith has run before. Smith may not be available until after this week's critical rematch with the Dolphins.The return game replacement is up in the air as injuries to other key personnel will have to be addressed before a decision can be made.
As for the return game, safety Jim Leonhard is listed as the backup on the depth chart. Jerricho Cotchery can be used but he is also coming off an injury to his hamstring.With so many of Washington's touches being dispersed among different players, it's safe to think that none of them will be nearly as valuable as the injured Washington. If Cotchery is healthy enough to return kicks, his value will rise in leagues that count return yardage. Green can be picked up in leagues now too. But Smith and Leonhard are still of little worth in fantasy circles.
Other Fantasy Football Notes
• Larry Johnson's mouth got him in big trouble as the running back has been asked not to participate in any team activity until an investigation can be completed. Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star interviewed Marty Schottenheimer, who wouldn't be surprised if this episode ended up running Johnson out of town.
• Terry McCormick of the Nashville City Paper says that Kerry Collins has not been told that he's been benched. Until that happens, Collins remains the starting quarterback.
• Falcons head coach Mike Smith said he was ready to give Jason Snelling a few more touches, "Well, if he continues to run the ball like that, yes." Snelling ran for 68 yards on seven carries on Sunday and will handle the third-down responsibilities with Jerious Norwood and Ovie Mughelli injured.
• Don't read a lot into Javon Ringer's seven carries in Week 6. Gary Estwick of The Tennesean says that LenDale White is still the No. 2 running back in Tennessee.
• Jason Reid of The Washington Post says Fred Davis, who had a big game Monday night, will stick around the D.C. area during the Redskins' bye week to get ready for his new role as their starting tight end.
• John Oehser of the Examiner, in an interview with Colts GM Bill Polian, was told that Adam Vinatieri will be back well before the season is over.
• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk says he's heard from a very reliable source (Chris Mortensen) that Ted Ginn, Jr. will see his playing time reduced going forward.
• According to the Word From the Birds Blog on the Arizona Cardinals' Web site, Ken Whisenhunt said that Beanie Wells isn't going to be named the starting running back any time soon, but he will see more carries.
