Ask the Fantasy Doctor

Injured QB's to return soon, Doc says
As published in print Oct. 19

Q: You’re a doctor. Can you provide an update on some of the key QB injuries?

A: After consulting my medical colleagues around the NFL, I have determined the following recovery schedule. Cowboy QB Troy Aikman (clavicle) should be back for Dallas’ Week Nine Monday-night game at Philadelphia (not that the Cowboys will need him to whip the Eagles). If not Week Nine, then Week 10 at the latest. There’s a very remote chance Raider QB Jeff George (groin) will return this week, but Week Nine is more likely for him, as well. Buffalo’s Rob Johnson (ribs) and Atlanta’s Chris Chandler (ribs) are both week-to-week. I wish I could be more specific, but rib injuries vary from case to case. Minnesota’s Brad Johnson (ankle) should be ready to play by mid-November, but will he regain his starting job? The Vikings keep insisting he will, but it would be awfully difficult to put red-hot Randall Cunningham (12-0 TD-interception ratio) on the bench. As with swimming less than a half-hour after eating, I don’t recommend it.

Q: Who are some of the lesser-known players I’m not playing but should?

A: At quarterback, Chandler (if healthy) and Chicago’s Erik Kramer are putting together solid, if unspectacular, seasons. Colt rookie QB Peyton Manning is mistake-prone but surprisingly productive, especially in yardage leagues. At running back, I can’t recommend starting Minnesota’s LeRoy Hoard, but he’s at least worth picking up. More often than not, the Vikings go to Hoard, a between-the-tackles runner, inside the 10-yard line (at the expense of Robert Smith, who’s still having a fine year). Arizona’s Johnny McWilliams has as many TD catches (three) as any tight end this side of Shannon Sharpe. Same goes for Minnesota’s Andrew Glover. Bear WR Bobby Engram is a part-time go-to guy as long as brittle running mate Curtis Conway continues to get knocked out of games. J.J. Stokes has surpassed running mate Terrell Owens as a fantasy threat in San Francisco.

Q: Speaking of San Francisco, did you have any idea 49er QB Steve Young would be THIS good?

A: I’ve been at this a long time. I’ve seen just about everything, most of which is too graphic to describe in these pages. But this Young matter — 17 TD passes and three rushing TD’s in six games, plus an unprecedented six straight 300-yard passing performances — has caught me completely off-guard. Even after a thorough review of his charts, factoring in age (37) and injury history, I’m at a total loss to explain it. Yes, Jerry Rice’s return has made a difference, but Young has been absolutely unstoppable. All I can say is, if you have him, enjoy this amazing run while it lasts.

Q: Is new Saint QB Kerry Collins worth acquiring?

A: The mere thought of having the so-called Carolina Quitter on my side makes me want to puke (and remember, as a surgeon, I can handle just about anything), but I must admit it’s a wise course of action. The Saints didn’t sign Collins to dress him up in a nice, clean uniform and baseball cap and have him carry a clipboard. They want to find out if he’s any good so they know whether to try to re-sign him after this season. He should be starting by Week Nine (vs. the Panthers, who’ll no doubt try to send him my way, on a stretcher), and any starting quarterback is worth having if you have room on your roster. Personally, I never give up on a patient. I’m a firm believer in … clear!

Q: But didn’t you essentially give up on Cowboy RB Emmitt Smith before the season started?

A: Hey, nobody's perfect. Even Marcus Welby lost a patient every now and then (though you’d never know it, thanks to the magic of editing). I’ll admit it: I was wrong about Emmitt. He has shaken off the minor injuries that plagued him a year ago, and he really has taken advantage of the Cowboys’ improved OL play. Chan Gailey’s play-calling has kept opponents off-balance, and FB Daryl Johnston’s lead-blocking has kept linebackers off-balance.

Q:Are there any players out there who haven’t done much so far but could have huge second halves?

A:I still think Steeler QB Kordell Stewart is very close to exploding. Bengal RB Corey Dillon has been good but not great, but he is capable of being great. Oakland’s George, once he returns from injury, is due for some multiple-TD performances. Same goes for Raider teammates Napoleon Kaufman and Tim Brown. I look for Seahawk QB Warren Moon to have a big second half. Keep your eye on Dolphin rookie RB John Avery. That kid can motor. Once Aikman gets back into the lineup, Cowboy WR Michael Irvin will start scoring. Now that they’re both healthy, Chief WR Andre Rison and Buccaneer WR Bert Emanuel should re-emerge as consistent go-to guys. As always, I suggest the mindset that has helped me every step of the way on the road to success — lots of patience. Or, in my case, patients.

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