Fantasy Football Key Running Back Injuries - Week 5

Cadillac Williams - Out for season. Obviously a major blow as Williams was someone's #2 back. He was having a decent year (3 TDs in first 3 weeks) so far, but Michael Pittman will assume the featured back role in Tampa Bay for the rest of the year.  Pittman's production will approach what Williams would give you, probably a few more TDs, so he would be a great pick-up.

Clinton Portis - Knee. Portis has yet to get 20 carries in a game, so Ladell Betts is already getting his share of carries. The Redskins have been in every game so the running game has been a focal point with the young Campbell at the helm. Betts has performed well when Portis has been down before, so Betts should already be on your roster if he's available.

Steven Jackson - Groin. After missing the Dallas game, he will miss at least one more with a 40% tear. Brian Leonard looked like a fullback trying to play running back in week 4 and isn't a good fantasy football option. He would get the short-yardage opportunities, but the Rams offense has been non-existent this year, so anyone getting a TD would be a surprise.

Shaun Alexander - Wrist. The wrist hasn't been too worrisome so far (only 1 fumble this year), but his ho-hum performances could be a clear sign of losing tread on the tires. Alexander hit the magic age of 30 for RBs and is averaging under 4 ypc with 2 TDs in the first four games. But Seattle is 3-1, appears to have the division in hand, and needs Alexander more in the playoffs than the regular season.

Brian Westbrook - Abdomen. He missed the blowout against New York, but he wouldn't have made a big difference. Westbrook's was the fantasy football king in week 3 with 200+ total yards and 3 TDs. Buckhalter showed flashes of production, but lacks Westbrook's versatility in the passing game. With the bye week, hopefully Westbrook is back in week 6, helping your fantasy football team.