FANTASY FOOTBALL AND CONCUSSIONS
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, RosterWatch.com

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With the influx overwhelming information on the serious repercussions of concussions on NFL players, league owners are taking steps to research the concussion histories of potential draft prospects. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, and others, are having baseline tests conducted on players when they visit in order to have something to refer back to. Because of league rules concerning concussions and forced missed games, it absolutely behooves teams to take such precautions. Unfortunately this limits the opportunities for players who have had even one concussion in their college careers, as it can place a big question mark on their NFL futures. Teams can’t afford to not protect their interests though.

How then should the FFL owner approach players who have concussion histories? Missed games affect teams both real and fantasy, especially when they come as surprises right before kick-off. Take the situation of Detroit RB Jahvid Best who last season, after being concussed, never made it back on the field. How frustrating it was for owners who wanted to drop him at some point but were compelled to hold on to the guy due to the potentiality of him returning to action or the high pick they used on him in their drafts. When it comes to fantasy, consistency is key. Darren McFadden might be the best running back in the league, but he doesn’t do you any good if he’s on the bench half the season. In some cases, it’s a better idea to go with a player who may not have huge upside but will get you that ten points every week. I won a league a couple years ago on underwhelming but consistent play out of Dwayne Bowe.

Therefore, unless you savor the bitter taste of blood-pressure medicine, save your heart a few BPMs and think about passing on the guy who has had a history of brain injury (sounds more obvious when I put it that way doesn’t it?). I have a feeling the stance on teams handling these guys with kid gloves will loosen up over time, but with concussions being such a hot topic right now, precautionary moves will be on overkill for awhile.

At the very least, wait to pick up a risky player til after you have your first couple options at that position locked down. And then don’t be hesitant to cut the cord if he gets his bell rung. I’ve seen too many fantasy seasons lost on owners waiting for players to get healthy.