RADIO
Le’Veon Bell had already missed the first two games of the NFL season as a result of a failed drug test and will likely miss more time due to a knee injury. Bell was injured when he was tackled in the second quarter of a 16-10 loss to Cincinnati. Initial reports are that Bell suffered at a minimum an MCL tear in his right knee. If it is a sprain of the MCL there is hope that Bell could be healthy in time for fantasy playoffs. If the MCL is torn, or if there is damage to the ACL, it is likely that Bell’s season would be over. Owners have some reason to be hopeful as Bell was seen moving the knee while he was being carted away, something trainers wouldn’t have been likely to allow him to do had they thought the injury was more serious. Full results of the injury should be known Monday morning.
DeAngelo Williams served as a fine replacement for Bell during his suspension earlier this season. In those two games, Williams rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns. When Bell returned from the suspension, Williams' role was predictably diminished. On Sunday, Williams picked up where he left off after those first two games once Bell went down, rushing for 71 yards on just nine carries. For the season Williams has averaged 4.9 yards per carry, the same as Bell. That’s not to say that Williams is an equal replacement for Bell, but the drop-off might not all that significant. The big question for Williams will be if his 32-year-old legs will be able to sustain the workload if Bell were to miss the remainder of the season.
Outside of Pittsburgh, owners may want to turn to Tennessee and Antonio Andrews for fantasy replacements. The undrafted second-year player out of Western Kentucky is quietly putting together a solid season. Over the last few weeks he has solidified himself as the number one starter for Tennessee, posting 10+ points in three of the last five games, including 11.20 points in Sunday’s 20-6 loss vs. Houston. Andrews is available in 67 percent of leagues.
