Running back Dee Brown was picked up in many leagues Sunday when Chiefs star Larry Johnson was injured by a face-mask tackle by Arizona’s Antrel Rolle. Brown has climbed to the position of primary backup of Johnson. While it is a good idea to pair up a back like Johnson with his backup, preliminary reports say Johnson suffered a neck strain and shouldn’t be affected over the long term by it very much.
When Chris Simms of the Buccaneers had his spleen removed two weeks ago, many owners of Joey Galloway gave up on him after his slow start. If you are in need of receiving help, Galloway might be on your free-agent list and will be frequently targeted by rookie Bruce Gradkowski since the Bucs tend to be trailing late in games.
FIVE WHO ARE HOT
Tiki Barber, RB, Giants – 23 carries, 123 yards; 3 catches, 16 yards
Lee Evans, WR, Bills – 9 catches, 94 yards, touchdown
Frank Gore, RB, Forty Niners – 27 carries, 134 yards; 3 catches, 38 yards
Donovan McNabb, QB, Eagles – 18-of-33 passing, 354 yards, 2 touchdowns
Chester Taylor, RB, Vikings – 26 carries, 123 yards; 5 catches, 31 yards
FIVE WHO ARE NOT
Isaac Bruce, WR, Rams – 2 catches, 23 yards
Mark Brunell, QB, Redskins – 12-of-22 passing, 109 yards
Kevin Jones, RB, Lions – 10 carries, 8 yards
J.P. Losman, QB, Bills – 14-of-27 passing, 115 yards, touchdown, 3 interceptions
Chad Pennington, QB, Jets – 10-of-17 passing, 71 yards, 3 interceptions
