Last week, I recommended that readers pick up Brad Johnson (136 yds, 2 TDs) and Earnest Wilford (4 catches, 89 yds, 1 TD) and the duo didn’t disappoint. Of course, I also recommended Tennessee’s Courtney Roby, who caught one pass for 29 yards. They can’t all be winners.
Let’s see what’s on the waiver wire this week:
QUARTERBACKS
Kyle Boller, BAL – Kind of a dry week on the wire for QBs, but Boller should be back soon and will probably take over starter’s duties. He’s been unspectacular so far, but if you are desperate for QB help, he might be an option.
RUNNING BACKS
Injuries forced Willie Parker, Fred Taylor, Mewelde Moore and Thomas Jones out of their respective games, while Rashard Lee fumbled his way to the bench. The result is some potential help on the waiver wire at the RB position.
Duce Staley, PIT – With both Parker and Bettis missing time with injuries, Staley stepped in and produced 85 total yards and a score. Assuming Parker and Bettis miss more time, Staley would be a good option. If either are available to play, Staley has limited upside.
Samko Gado, GB – Gado got his chance when Lee coughed up the ball in the first quarter. Gado didn’t look bad, but there wasn’t a ton of room to run as evidenced by his 62 yards on 26 carries. He did score a TD and with his size, he appears to be a good option at the goal line. He’ll go back to the bench once Fisher returns, but there is no telling when that will be.
Greg Jones, JAX – Fred Taylor left with an ankle injury after 12 carries and Jones took over, carrying the ball seven times for 27 yards and a score. He has good value as long as Taylor misses time.
Jonathan Wells, HOU – Wells appears to be first in line for carries as long as starter Domanick Davis is out with swelling in his knee. He’s also a threat out of the backfield, which adds to his value, especially in leagues that give one point per reception.
Michael Bennett, MIN – Mewelde Moore left the game with a wrist injury after 11 carries, and Bennett produced 111 total yards and a touchdown. His value is directly related to Moore’s absence.
Cedric Benson, CHI – Given his average draft position and Thomas Jones’ bruised ribs, it’s unlikely that Benson is still hanging out on your league’s waiver wire. If he is, now would be a good time to pick him up. With Jones out, Benson carried the ball 14 times for 79 yards.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Reggie Brown, PHI – By now, everyone knows that Terrell Owens has loudmouthed his way off of the Eagles’ roster, and Brown is the guy will try to fill his shoes. Against the Redskins, he caught five balls for 95 yards and a score, so he’s off to a good start.
Bryant Johnson, ARI – At press time last week, there was still talk of Boldin playing on Sunday, and it wasn’t until later on in the week that we found out that Johnson would get the start. He caught six balls for 66 yards and a touchdown, but the Cardinals are still eager to get Boldin back, so Johnson’s production should be shortlived.
