Guess Who’s Back? Benson & Davenport.

October 1, 2008 at 7:12 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Guess Whos Back? Benson & Davenport. Week 5 has been full of surprises thus far - and returns. Upon the placement of rookie Rashard Mendenhall on injured reserve due to a fractured left shoulder, the Steelers have brought back a familiar face. The Bengals also made an interesting move, bringing in a 25 year old former fourth overall draft pick.

With Willie Parker and FB Carey Davis out for Week 5 at Jacksonville, and Rashard Mendenhall on IR, the Steelers signed Najeh Davenport, who they released this summer. Davenport, 29, will likely play special teams, and a short yardage roll for as long as Parker’s out - which shouldn’t be past the team’s Week 6 bye.

So, what’s the deal in Pittsburgh? Well, Mewelde Moore will have Week 5 value in points per reception leagues, while Davenport will have Week 5 value in TD-only leagues, but that’s it. Neither one of them should have huge games against the Jaguars, and we expect Big Ben Roethlisberger and Hines Ward to hook up quite a bit to make up for the lack of a running game. Six or seven receptions for 30-40 yards isn’t out of the question for Moore. Owners in dire straights may want to consider picking him up as a PPR league RB2 or flex option for Week 5 only. He has no long term value, however, so he likely isn’t worth stashing in dynasty or keeper leagues.

As far as the situation in Cincy, things have just changed quite a bit for Chris Perry, Kenny Watson and the Bengals. Cincy has added former Bears fourth overall draft pick, 25 year old Cedric Benson. Benson’s signing was prompted by DeDe Dorsey being moved to injured reserve, however, so seasonal owners shouldn’t get too excited.

Benson isn’t likely to face league suspension, due to being recently cleared of all charges involving two incidents in April. He will back up Perry - who has scored in each game that he’s rushed the rock 20 or more times - in Week 5. Believe it or not, we consider Benson a decent dynasty league flier. The talent is there somewhere, folks, but the heart hasn’t been seen since his senior year in college at the University of Texas.

Dynasty owners with a roster spot open could do worse.

In other news, Deuce McAllister is now the guy in New Orleans - snatch him off the waiver wire in all leagues…

Marc Bulger has been named the Rams starter for Week 6, following the team’s bye this week. Grab him in all formats - especially dynasty…

Aaron Rodgers told the Packers today that he’ll play in Week 5. We love this kid, and we believe him, which means great things for Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jordy Nelson and Ryan Grant…

Anquan Boldin is reportedly doing very well after fracturing a sinus membrane and getting stiches in his lip, and wants to play this week. Like Rodgers, we love his enthusiasm, but there’s no way in hell he’ll be on the field this week. His owners can breathe a solid sigh of relief though, as this means he’ll likely return after the team’s Week 7 bye at the latest…

Lane Kiffin is finally gone, and offensive line coach Tom Cable will be taking over as the Raiders’ front man heading into the team’s bye. Michael Bush is really the only offensive player we like on that team right now. Check that, TE Zach Miller is playing very well and will continue to be a solid dynasty prospect…

Deion Branch is ready for contact, and Bobby Engram practiced this week, exclaiming “I’m back!” Expect both to play on Sunday against the Giants. Engram is fantasy-line-up ready, Branch isn’t…

IDP owners shouldn’t get too excited about Cullen Jenkins, who is out for the rest of the 2008 season with a torn pectoral. Kabeer Gbajia-Biamila’s value rises in this case…

Rams CB Tye Hill is out for a month due to arthroscopic knee surgery…

There is still no time table for Jason Taylor’s return after emergency calf surgery last week. This has IR written all over it. His seasonal IDP owners can drop him, while dynasty owners looking to clear a roster spot can consider it as well…

Brian Westbrook may be out again this week. He reportedly couldn’t cut on his ankle prior to Sunday night’s game at Chicago. As long as Westy’s out, Correll Buckhalter is a solid flex option…

Lastly, it looks like Willis McGahee has a ribs injury. This makes knee, eye and ribs that he’s trying to recover from right now. His seasonal owners need to hang in there and try to acquire Le’Ron McClain in the meantime. Dynasty owners of the soon to be 27 year old McGahee must be concerned right now, as his value is taking a nose dive fast with the 23 year old McClain producing on more than 15 carries in each game this season. Avoid McGahee against Tennessee this week, but if McGahee’s out, consider McClain a solid flex option.

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