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Injuries play havoc with fantasy football lineups

After a week the NFL would love to forget, things were ugly once the players took to the field. Jamaal Charles sprained an ankle after accumulating just 12 total yards. Robert Griffin III suffered a nasty dislocated ankle just before teammate DeSean Jackson was knocked out with a shoulder injury.

Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. (Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports)
Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III. (Geoff Burke/USA Today Sports)Read more

After a week the NFL would love to forget, things were ugly once the players took to the field.

Jamaal Charles sprained an ankle after accumulating just 12 total yards. Robert Griffin III suffered a nasty dislocated ankle just before teammate DeSean Jackson was knocked out with a shoulder injury.

The Dolphins lost new starting running back Knowshon Moreno (dislocated elbow), reportedly for at least a month, on his first carry. A.J. Green was bounced by a strained foot before he could register a catch. Ryan Mathews was carted off the field with a knee injury and Tavon Austin left with his own knee troubles.

Dexter McCluster's foot injury could open the door to more touches by rookie Bishop Sankey in the weeks ahead. And Marcedes Lewis (ankle) left the game with a walking boot and crutches.

Eric Decker yanked a hammy, while Vernon Davis left the Sunday night matchup hobbling on a sprained ankle.

Of course, both of Chicago's starting wideouts entered the Sunday nighter banged up, Brandon Marshall's bravado performance notwithstanding. Both Antonio Brown (head) and Dez Bryant (shoulder) were knocked out early, but each returned to post strong performances.

There are lessons to be learned:

Watch the inactive reports up until the last minute. Lots of fantasy players missed out on Marshall's heroics, including many who still had the flexibility to make a change at the eleventh hour.

Handcuff your stud running back(s). I know I'm a broken record on this, but you never know when the backups will be pressed into service.

Don't neglect your bench. Constantly look for opportunities to upgrade.

Catch 'em while you can

Kirk Cousins, QB, Redskins. Many believe Cousins is a better fit for Washington's offense than Griffin. If you need help at the position, Cousins is worth a flier.

Knile Davis, RB, Chiefs. Charles' early exit left the backfield in his understudy's capable hands. After scoring twice and running and catching for a combined 105 yards, Davis proved he is worthy.

Matt Asiata, RB, Vikings. Arguably the most anonymous handcuff in the NFL, Asiata excelled late last season in relief of an injured Adrian Peterson before racking up 84 total yards and a score against the Patriots on Sunday. Though Peterson has been reactivated for Week 3, you're playing with fire if you don't hedge your bets with Asiata.

Don't be fooled

Mohamed Sanu, WR, Bengals. Sanu broke loose for a long scoring strike after A.J. Green went out. But don't think that's a sign of things to come. Sanu has shown flashes in the past, but more often than not has disappeared.

Ladarius Green, TE, Chargers. Think Antonio Gates has lost a step? Who cares? The Green Era in San Diego will just have to wait. Philip Rivers is still locked onto his old pal, and Gates clearly has plenty left after his TD hat trick against the vaunted Seahawks defense.