Fitzgerald Hurt/Fantasy News

[Hache Man]

LJ, Fitzgerald Hurt in Week 5

Clichés are typically so for a reason, but none may be used more than that one about when it rains. Well, the proverbial downpour of fantasy injuries seems to have arrived in Week 5.

Kansas City workhorse running back Larry Johnson was hurt late in his game against the Cardinals after cornerback Antrel Rolle grabbed his facemask. Johnson's head was wrenched backwards, and it has since been reported that he has a strained neck. The top fantasy pick was able to walk to the bench after staying on the ground for a while, but did not return for the game's final few plays. Johnson hasn't racked up rushing yards, but missing time would be a huge loss for both the Chiefs and fantasy owners. Backup Dee Brown took three handoffs with Johnson out and appeared to fumble twice inside the five-yard line, although neither was credited for some reason. Nevertheless, Brown should be handcuffed to Johnson on every fantasy roster that has the Chiefs' starter, especially since RB Michael Bennett is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury he suffered after challenging All Pro G Will Shields to a foot race.

In the same game, Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald injured his right hamstring in the second quarter. Fitzgerald, who was listed as probable with an injured ankle this week, had his right leg wrapped and did not return; his status for Week 6 is uncertain. The dreadlock-sporting receiver did catch a touchdown pass before his departure, but that's of small consolation to owners who are depending on him to produce for the long haul. He finished with two catches for 15 yards. Hamstring injuries have a tendency to be of the nagging variety, and Fitzgerald could now be relegated to the frustrating status of "eternally questionable" on Arizona's injury report. If he does miss any future games, fantasy owners should strongly consider picking up the Cardinals' former first-round pick and current slot receiver Bryant Johnson to soften the blow.

Two of the Lions' biggest playmakers were hurt in the team's 26-17 loss to the Vikings. Receiver Roy Williams exited with a shoulder stinger and did not return after being hit by the forearm of Vikings safety Darren Sharper, and running back Kevin Jones suffered a concussion on the second-to-last play of the game. Stingers have the potential to resolve within a short period of time, but can also recur and lead to extended lost playing time, so it goes without saying that his condition will need to be monitored. Williams caught 16 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown over Weeks 3 and 4; the injury limited him to just one reception for 7 yards on Sunday. Jones mustered only 8 rushing yards on 10 carries, his lowest total of the season, during the game, but also had a pair of excellent outings in Week 3 and 4. Neither player's status for next week is known.

Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey had to leave late in New York's game against the Redskins with an undisclosed foot injury. He caught just one pass for 13 yards before the incident, but has dealt with ankle problems since the preseason. More about his situation is not yet known, but if it is related to his ankle, it could be a concern for much of the season.

Running back DeAngelo Williams, Carolina's 2006 first-round pick, left his game with the Browns after injuring his right ankle in the second quarter. The rookie was hurt on his only carry of the game before needing to be helped off the field and carted to the locker room; he was unable to put pressure on his leg. It is currently unclear as to how severe the injury may be, but losing the shifty Williams would be a major setback to insuring oft-injured starter DeShaun Foster.

The Patriots created some curiosity when starting running back Corey Dillon did not have a carry in the fourth quarter of their 20-10 victory over the Dolphins. Rookie RB Laurence Maroney, who had a massive performance last week, finished the game with 18 carries and may have just been used down the stretch to eat the clock. But Dillon suffered a neck stinger in Week 3, and it will be interesting to see how much he practices this week.

Dolphins receiver Marty Booker said after his game with New England that he had an injury in his shoulder and pectoral area. Booker has been nothing more than a fantasy WR5 to this point in the season, while Miami reserve WR Wes Welker has been every bit, if not more, productive. Welker caught 9 passes for 77 yards Sunday. Booker had two catches for 22 yards before suffering the injury in the first quarter. He returned for the second quarter, but did not come out of the locker room after halftime. Welker would be worth a look in deep leagues if Booker is seriously hurt.

After finally recovering from an ankle injury that he re-aggravated in Week 2, Colts receiver Brandon Stokley sprained his left knee Sunday against the Titans. Stokley's impact on the fantasy world has been minimal since his ten-touchdown season of 2004, but he caught five passes for 57 yards before leaving his Week 5 game.