It was almost literally Black Sunday around the National Football League. And at the end of the day, multiple fantasy football stars were forced from their games due to injury.
Let's take a look at some of the most notable injuries that happened and what impact they might have around the world of fantasy football.
Nick Foles, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Injury: Broken Collarbone
Foles injured his collarbone in the second quarter of Philadelphia's win over the Houston Texans and did not return. According to multiple reports, he suffered a broken collarbone and will be out of action at least a month. Though, that estimated timetable could very well be looking at it from a conservative point of view...Foles might see himself out of action for six weeks.
Mark Sanchez replaced Foles in the lineup and proceeded to throw two touchdowns while leading the Eagles offense down the field against a good Texans defense. And while Sanchez was picked off twice, he seems to understand full well what is expected of him in the Eagles' offensive scheme under Chip Kelly. Based on Philadelphia's success with another average quarterback (Foles), there is no reason to believe Sanchez will revert back to his New York Jets days. He has the offensive line, running game and receiver threats that simply weren't available with the Jets.
The moral of this story, some may ask? Sanchez could very well be a solid injury replacement as a QB2 option for Foles. He's someone to definitely consider picking up and seeing how he performs over the next week or two. As it relates to Foles, don't drop him in re-draft leagues...he will be the starter once healthy again.
Arian Foster, Running Back, Houston Texans
Injury: Groin
Foster was visably frustrated following a third quarter injury on Sunday. And while we don't know the extent of the injury, it probably doesn't bode well for Foster's short-term fantasy prospects. He put up 119 total yards and a score before the early exit. In total, Foster has picked up 626 yards and nine touchdowns over the past five games.
Those simply aren't numbers you're going to be able to replace with lesser options on the bench. While it makes sense to wait and see just how severe the injury is, make sure to have all your bases covered here. And if you have an opportunity to trade a player at a position of strength for a solid starting running back, maybe make that decision before Foster's injury is made public, at which point you will be trading from a position of perceived weakness.
Lamar Miller, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
Injury: Shoulder
Miller left Miami's blowout win over the San Diego Chargers on Sunday and did not return. He did indicate that the injury seemed major, but that's nothing more than a player drawing a conclusion without further medical tests. Miami's starting running back will have a MRI done on Monday, which should help us understand how long, if at all, he will be out. In terms of fantasy options on the Dolphins roster should Miller miss time, Daniel Thomas doesn't figure to be a worthy waiver-wire add. Instead, potentially look at Alfred Blue from the Houston Texans (depending on Foster's injury).
Wes Welker, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Injury: Back
If you haven't already made the decision to drop Welker in lieu of more viable fantasy options, that decision might have been made for you on Sunday. The underperforming receiver suffered an ugly-looking back injury against his former team on Sunday and did not return to action. While there is no indication on way or another whether Welker will miss time, he's simply no longer a relevant within fantasy circles.