NFL Fantasy Football season is on the brink of being in full swing. In the coming weeks most leagues will have their drafts and the painful process of picking which receivers and running backs to draft first will begin. The preseason will be a good indication of who is preparing to be a breakout star this season and injuries will factor into that. A recent injury to one of fantasy's biggest stars could have other position players taken first.
Jamaal Charles is normally a lock to be taken in the first round of fantasy as the running back is the stabilizer of the team's offense. The Kansas City Chiefs got a scare when their star running back suffered a freak injury at the end of a practice, garnering the attention of fantasy owners everywhere. According to BJ Kissel of Chiefs.com, Charles suffered a bruised foot that could keep him out a week in training camp. He was held out of the game against the Carolina Panthers, but head coach Andy Reid does not expect this to linger into the season.
"With Jamaal Charles, he twisted his foot and kind of freak thing," Reid said, via the team's official website. "It didn't happen at practice. It was after practice (when) we were leaving and so, we held him out. Precautionary measures. I think he's going to be fine but I left him back at home. We'll go from there but he's doing well."
Charles was the third leading rusher last year in the NFL when he put up 1,287 yards. Fantasy owners are going to have a hard time deciding between drafting someone like Charles or LeSean McCoy, Adrian Peterson or even a darkhorse like Montee Ball. The injury to Charles does not help his status. However, with Dwyane Bowe facing a suspension and injury, the second Charles is healthy, he will be the center piece of the offense.
The running back owners should beware of Arian Foster and his ongoing injury issues that have been plaguing him so far this season. The running back has officially gotten back on the field after suffering a back injury last season. However, Foster's history does not speak in his favor as this could be something that pops up again. According to fantasy expert Dave Richard of CBSSports.com, Foster has dropped in the rankings and fans should think twice before making a run at him.
