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Injury Rundown: AP is for apprehension

andy behrens
Fantasy analyst

Another week, another chance for the Packers to break a franchise running back.

A.J. Hawk took down Larry Johnson cleanly and decisively in the fourth quarter of the Packers' Week 9 win. Based on the speculation and fear surrounding it, you'd think LJ's foot had nuclear ambitions and pandemic flu. Whatever else it is, the foot is clearly damaged. Johnson will miss multiple weeks.

Let's hope that Adrian Peterson's right knee injury isn't so severe.

In Week 10, Al Harris tackled Peterson in the middle of the field after an 11-yard gain. If you're a defensive back attempting to bring down the Vikings' rookie in that situation, going low offers the greatest chance to succeed and avoid humiliation. There wasn't anything cheap about the tackle, and it was obviously effective. Peterson writhed for a while before leaving the field. He remained on the Minnesota sidelines.

After the game, Peterson said, "I'm banking it's a sprained knee." He'll have an MRI on Monday.

In Week 11, he's either going to begin to shed his reputation as a player susceptible to injury, or he's going to solidify it. There's a window here in which you might be able to trade for him, if you're willing to assume the risks. Last week, a Peterson deal was unthinkable. The Vikings are about to face a few user-friendly run defenses, beginning with Oakland (4.8 yards per carry allowed).

These are the other Week 10 injuries with fantasy significance …

Marshawn Lynch, ankle
Whatever Lynch does, he's overshadowed by Adrian Peterson. If Lynch has a big statistical day, Peterson sets the all-time NFL single-game rushing record. If Lynch tweaks an ankle, Peterson potentially wrecks a knee. These two seem headed for a final reckoning on "Dancing With The Stars" in 2019.

Lynch injured his left ankle late in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 13-10 win. The Bills' website reports, "Dick Jauron was hopeful that it wasn't serious." That's just the sort of sunny optimism we miss here in Chicago. Lynch could be limited in the week ahead, but the early reports seem encouraging.

LenDale White, knee
After three consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts, White certainly seemed like a safe play in Week 10. His day ended after eight carries and 12 yards. Vince Young actually led Tennessee in rushing, carrying eight times for 52 yards. Jeff Fisher had this to say about White in his postgame comments: "LenDale came out with a knee, (but) could have come back in." Trailing 21-3 midway through the third quarter, the Titans threw and White sat.

Reggie Bush, knee/head/misinformation
There's a KFFL note on Bush's player page that doesn't seem quite right. Bush was questionable entering the game with a bruised knee, and he was shaken up in the fourth quarter. He did, however, return to the field. He ran for a two-point conversion with 0:32 remaining.

Damon Huard, head/neck/ineffectiveness
Kansas City's quarterback was off to an atrocious start against Denver: 6-for-15, two interceptions, one fumble, no TDs. He left the game with a neck injury in the third quarter, then went to the sidelines and looked beaten. His quarterback rating was 18.9. That's lower than the Week 10 public league fantasy totals for seven other quarterbacks.

Herm Edwards has announced only that he's going to commit to thinking about the quarterback issue. Expect Brodie Croyle to take over in Week 11. It's not really a great matchup against the Colts, but Kansas City's end-of-season schedule is interesting for fantasy purposes. They'll face Detroit in Week 16 and the Jets in Week 17.

Brian Griese, shoulder
Unless you're in a league that starts two QBs, you probably weren't relying on Brian Griese in Week 10. He suffered a left shoulder injury while getting flattened by Kirk Morrison. Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner had this to say to the Tribune: "(Griese) sounded good. He said it's not too bad. It's not much of a medical statement, but …"

Rex Grossman could very well start for Chicago at Seattle next week, which would make the Seahawks defense the best imaginable free agent add. Rex fumbled twice against the Raiders, but neither was lost. Grossman connected on a late 59-yard touchdown fling to Bernard Berrian.

Isaac Bruce and Todd Heap both reportedly aggravated hamstring injuries on Sunday. Based on their histories, you really need to find replacements in Week 11.