Last week was not a particularly good one for several running backs who sustained moderate to serious injuries.  It was also another week of stagnation for elite wide receivers who are making fantasy GM’s second guess themselves.  Injuries have wreaked havoc on many rosters, and even some of the backups have also been sidelined as well.  You have to reach deep down into the waiver wire for healthy bodies simply to fill out your lineups.  So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

A.J. Green (WR-CIN)

If there was ever a team who desperately missed an injured player, it is the Bengals.  Since A.J. Green went down with a toe injury a couple weeks ago, Cincinnati has completely imploded including getting shut out last week against the Colts.  Green hasn’t practiced yet, but he did do some running on Wednesday which is a positive development.  Check back in later this week to see if Green has returned to practice.  But even he does not practice, it is still likely that he will return this Sunday against Baltimore.

Calvin Johnson (WR-DET)

Fantasy GM’s are pulling their hair out after Calvin Johnson missed another game last week due to his ankle injury.  He claims to be moving around better and is doing some drills, but it still sounds as though his status for Week 8 is in jeopardy too.  He has not officially been ruled out yet, so you can hold onto some hope that your first round pick will make it onto the field.  But the reality is that the Lions have been winning even without him, so there is a good chance he will get another week off to heal up completely.

Robert Griffin III (QB-WAS)

Robert Griffin III is back at practice, but it is reported that he has no chance of playing on Monday night against the Cowboys.  Colt McCoy will likely get the start this week, but the chances are good that Griffin will return in Week 9.  If Griffin is fully healthy, it will be interesting to see if he can make the offensive weapons around him any better.  For this week though, do not expect DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon or Andre Roberts to put up big numbers with McCoy getting the start.

C.J. Spiller (RB-BUF)

C.J. Spiller sustained a broken collarbone on a big play last week against Minnesota and has been put on Injured Reserve.  However, he will be eligible to return in Week 16.  If you are in a league that has its playoff games that late in the season, then stash him on your bench or IR if you can.  Otherwise, he can be dropped in most redraft leagues. 

Fred Jackson (RB-BUF)

Despite being one of the oldest running backs in the league, Fred Jackson still manages to be productive on a weekly basis.  But he suffered a groin injury last week against the Vikings and will likely miss a couple weeks.  With C.J. Spiller also out until Week 16 now, the Bills are left with Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown as running back options.  It appears that they will split duties, so neither are considered more valuable than the other.  The reality is that Jackson probably will miss more than two weeks due to his age and the nature of soft tissue injuries.

Darren Sproles (RB-PHI)

Darren Sproles suffered a knee injury in the Eagles’ Week 6 thrashing of the Giants.  He had the bye week to rest up and has now returned to practice in a limited capacity.  Chances are good that he will play this week against Arizona, but if he is not 100% then he likely will not be utilized to his fullest extent, especially against a solid Cardinals’ defense.

Martellus Bennett (TE-CHI)

Martellus Bennett is dealing with a hamstring injury and has missed practice through Wednesday.  However, the expectation is that he will be back on the practice field on Thursday and be ready to play this week against New England.  Bennett got off to an incredible start and was arguably the second best tight end in the league in September behind Julius Thomas.  But he has seen his targets and receptions decrease dramatically over the past several weeks.  He is still a viable starting option, especially against a Patriots’ defense that is now without Jerod Mayo.

Pierre Thomas (RB-NO)

Pierre Thomas is dealing with injuries to both his ribs and shoulder.  He has not practiced this week and is expected to be out between two to three weeks.  Expect to see Travaris Cadet have an increased role coming out of the backfield in passing situations, especially with Khiry Robinson also banged up.  Keep Thomas on your bench if you have the roster flexibility.

Khiry Robinson (RB-NO)

Khiry Robinson has missed practice through Wednesday with a forearm injury.  He is hopeful or returning to practice on Thursday as he does not consider the injury serious at this point.  With Mark Ingram back in the mix, Robinson’s touches were going to be decreased anyway.  But collectively the Saints’ running backs are a solid option this week against Green Bay’s terrible run defense.

Trent Richardson (RB-IND)

Trent Richardson suffered a hamstring injury in last week’s game against the Colts.  The injury is not considered serious, but he has missed practice through Wednesday.  If he does not return to practice on Thursday or Friday, then his status for Sunday’s game against the Steelers would be in jeopardy.  He is at best a RB2 or Flex option when healthy.

Paul Posluszny (LB-JAX)

There are not many Jaguars players who are viable fantasy options, but linebacker Paul Posluszny is one of them in IDP leagues.  Posluszny sustained a torn pectoral muscle and is now done for the season.  He is one of the best tacklers in the league, so this is considered a major loss for those of you in IDP leagues.  This increases the value of running backs on teams that play against Jacksonville the rest of the season.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),