Players on the mend could be valuable down the road
- Vincent Brown could be the Chargers' top receiver when he returns from a broken ankle
- The Lions could get a boost in their running game once Jahvid Best is cleared to play
- Danny Amendola's injury opens the door for other Rams receivers to play larger roles
We're a little thinner than usual this week on the waiver wire. Nothing stands out as a hot selection, but there are still plenty of other players to consider. We dig deep into the Injured Reserve list to talk about a couple of impact players who will be back in the next couple of weeks.
WR Vincent Brown, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers had high hopes for Brown -- hoping that he, Malcom Floyd and Antonio Gates would form a strong receiving trio for quarterback Philip Rivers. Brown broke his ankle in the preseason, and though many expected that to cost him the entire season, his recovery from surgery could be complete in eight weeks. Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal have filled in admirably, but Brown should take over as the Chargers' top wideout when he returns. With no standouts on this week's waiver wire, grab Brown before he returns to the practice field and enjoy his production once his recovery is complete.
RB Jahvid Best, Detroit Lions
Though Mikel Leshoure showed some promise in Week 3, the Lions have struggled on the ground. Best hasn't taken the mandatory concussion tests yet, but the Lions are reportedly hoping he will be ready for Week 7. Best is a proven fantasy contributor so grab him early in advance of him suiting up.
WR Brandon Gibson, St. Louis Rams
GIbson is the most obvious choice to fill the void created by Danny Amendola's absence. However, he's only caught 13 passes in five games, so there is a reason that he is available on most leagues' waiver wires. Sam Bradford will still have to throw the ball to someone, so expect Gibson's targets to rise significantly.
RB James Starks, Green Bay Packers
Despite being a healthy scratch for the Packers this week, the injury to Cedric Benson earns Starks a mention. With Benson out at least eight weeks, Starks could very easily move ahead of Alex Green to assume the role as starter. The Green Bay running game doesn't generate a whole lot of excitement right now, but once the cold weather becomes a factor, look for the Packers to spend more time on the ground. Don't forget Starks played a key role in the Packers' Super Bowl run two seasons ago, so he is capable of carrying the load.
On the radar
WR Austin Pettis, St. Louis Rams
The Danny Amendola injury shuffles the depth chart in St. Louis. The guess here is that the Rams will move Pettis into Amendola's slot position. This is a significant position, as it is the place where Sam Bradford has thrown most of his passes. Bradford will need to get Brandon Gibson more involved, but the slot is the place to be for the Rams, especially now that defenses will be able to concentrate on Gibson. Steve Smith may also be a factor here, but Pettis is worth a gamble if those at the top of the waiver wire order go after Gibson.
WR Devery Henderson, New Orleans Saints
Filling in for the injured Lance Moore, Henderson exploded for 123 yards on eight catches and a touchdown. He's been battling hamstring issues of his own, so his status from week-to-week is always up in the air. Ride him while he's hot and Moore is sidelined.
WR Rueben Randle, New York Giants
Taking advantage of the absence of Hakeem Nicks, Randle caught eight passes for 82 yards in Week 5. The Giants situation at wide receiver is always in flux, with Nicks, Victor Cruz and Domenik Hixon taking turns being in and out of the lineup, so figuring out which player can be relied upon on a given week is difficult. The rookie Randle has the tools, so he's worth a roster spot and even a starting fantasy flex position during the weeks when Nicks or Cruz are out of the lineup.
Doug Coutts writes for FantasySharks.com, a USA TODAY Sports Media Group affiliate