Some things you usually can count on.
You won’t get three straight days of good weather in Chicago.
The train is running early or late, depending on when you get there.
Somewhere, right now, Usher is shirtless.
And Michael Bennett will get hurt before midseason.
After starting all 16 games in 2002, thank you, Mr. Bennett, for restoring order to my world. Minnesota’s starting running back sprained his right knee in Friday’s exhibition against the 49ers and underwent an MRI on Saturday.
The Vikings at first believed he’d miss the regular season opener Sept. 12 against Dallas, but now they’re saying he could be out longer.
Bennett’s setback simply underscores what should be the central theme of the 2004 fantasy season: the backup running back. Plenty of worthy understudies–such as the Vikings’ Moe Williams–are waiting in the wings in what could be a watershed year for backup tailbacks.
Even if you’re not in a keeper league, it’s important to brush up on these second-stringers. At least one or two starters from the old guard is likely to succumb to injury, age or competition, making it a better choice to grab talented backups than to settle for marginal starters like Emmitt Smith and Travis Minor.
Here’s a ranking of the backups by priority in the draft or waiver wire.
1. DeShaun Foster, Carolina Panthers
Stephen Davis has only played 16 games once in eight seasons, and the Panthers plan on making more room for Foster anyway.
2. Stephen Jackson, St. Louis Rams
I don’t even have to make a case. If Fred Taylor is the patron saint of injured backs, Marshall Faulk is at least the archbishop. Jackson leads all rushers in preseason with 251 yards.
3. Willis McGahee, Buffalo Bills
If I’m a Travis Henry owner, I’m really nervous. McGahee, who has flashed explosiveness in recent games, allegedly has been campaigning for Henry’s spot. The Bills are just a bad start or a Drew Bledsoe injury away from the “R” word: rebuilding. In that event, McGahee may get his wish.
4. Tatum Bell, Denver Broncos
Bell has the size and speed to become Mike Shanahan’s next miracle back, but he’s not league-ready. Quentin Griffin is. The question with Griffin is, how long before the diminutive dynamo gets hurt?
5. Najeh Davenport, Green Bay Packers
By all rights, Davenport should be starting somewhere. But the Packers know how much they overwork Ahman Green, who has been hampered by a bruised kneecap. Davenport also works goal-line duty and as a kick returner, increasing his value.
Others to watch
– LaMont Jordan’s overtures to supplant Curtis Martin in the New York Jets’ lineup have only landed him in coach Herm Edwards’ doghouse. Johnathan Reese has stepped in as the No. 2.
– You won’t miss with the Ravens’ Chester Taylor if Jamal Lewis goes to trial in the fall.
– The Giants’ Ron Dayne has created a buzz by rushing for a 7.4 average and four touchdowns, but he easily could be fool’s gold. Take a wait-and-see approach.
– Greg Jones struggled initially, but the Jaguars’ durable rookie has steadily improved (79 yards in 18 carries against Green Bay) with all the work he’s getting in Taylor’s absence. The official line is that Taylor has a bad foot. The unofficial line is that his foot has a bad Taylor.
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Phillip Thompson gives you fantasy football advice all season.
E-mail him at plthompson@tribune.com.
