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Jermichael Finley, Calvin Johnson and Other Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 6

Curse has been the word for running backs this season, but it looks like the bad mojo that plagued backs is now spreading to other positions.  The most notable injuries this week are Aaron Rodger’s concussion, Calvin Johnson’s mysterious shoulder injury, and Jermichael Finleys’ knee ligament damage. Let's take a look at who will suit up Sunday and who you can fill in for those who don't.

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Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions
Mark Clayton, WR, St. Louis Rams

Clayton went down with a season-ending knee mashing.  His season was unfolding into a "from-the-doghouse" to a "to-the-penthouse" type of story.

Calvin Johnson’s story follows the same plot: earlier in the season he was vilified by owners for his poor performances, only to throw down three touchdowns in two weeks. 

However, this week Johnson landed awkwardly on his shoulder in the fourth quarter against the Rams.  Lions’ coach Jim Schwartz, according to Yahoo, is very concerned about the injury.

Johnson and Clayton owners are left to their wit and wile to find a sleeper to take their place.  Owners can look for Danny Amendola, Mike Thomas, and Steve Johnson.

St. Louis’ Amendola had a tremendous PPR game Sunday, catching 12 passes for 95 yards.  Owned in 29 percent of Y! leagues, he is St. Louis' top receiver now and you should scramble to pick him up. 

The Jaguars’ Mike Thomas (17 percent in Y! leagues) gets 4-6 catches a game and somehow garners a few rushing yards every contest.  He doesn’t have any touchdowns this season, but his 21 receptions put him ahead of the better known Mike Sims-Walker. 

The Bills’ Steve Johnson (18 percent in Y! leagues), featured in this week’s Fantasy Football Gold, has four touchdowns in his last three games.  The drawback with Johnson is that Buffalo has a bye this week.  However, it may be worthwhile for you to snag him before anyone else does.

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Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers

Finley’s injury is a sad one.  He heard his knee pop as he was making a tackle during an interception return. 

After the game, he told reporters that in the seconds leading up to the play he debated whether or not to attack the caravan of defenders heading his way.  He was worried about hurting himself and now he’s hurt. 

So who will fill Finley's void this week?  Try Tony Moeaki, Jermaine Gresham, or Andrew Quarless.

The Chiefs’ Moeaki has a minor following in fantasy circles after making some spectacular catches earlier this season.  He is owned in 27 percent of Y! leagues, and he’s Matt Cassel’s favorite target.  Luckily, the Chiefs play a meager Houston Texans pass defense this week. 

Jermaine Gresham, Cincinnati’s burly rookie tight end, averages about four receptions per game and has two touchdown catches so far this season.  Only 28 percent of teams own Gresham. 

Finally, there’s Andrew Quarless, Finley’s backup.  He had four catches for 50 yards (three of which were first downs) Sunday following Finley’s injury.  The Packers had no qualms getting him the ball and assuming Rodgers is playing, he is a good pickup.  Currently Quarless is available in 97 percent of leagues but that will surely go up closer to game time. 

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GAME TIMERS

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
Joseph Addai, RB, Colts

Both Rodgers (concussion) and Addai (shoulder/neck) practiced today.  There’s no official word on their status for Sunday’s game.  Keep an eye on them tomorrow and Saturday.  If Rodgers can’t go, take a shot at the Bucs’ Josh Freeman or the Chiefs’ Matt Cassel.  Freeman is consistent, and Cassel is playing a terrible Texans secondary.  If Addai sits, backup Mike Hart showed promise and is available in most leagues. 

Written by James Duren, exclusively for www.thefantasyfix.com.

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Tags: The Fantasy Fix, Fantasy Football, Fantasy Football Advice, Injuries, Week 6, Week Six, Waiver Wire, NFL, Calvin Johnson, Mark Clayton, Jermichael Finley, Aaron Rodgers, Joseph Addai, Detroit Lions, St. Louis Rams, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts


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