Fantasy football injuries: The latest on LeSean McCoy, Tevin Coleman, others

Most of this week’s news is pretty grim, with a handful of talented and fruitful fantasy football performers getting sucked into the injury abyss.

Here’s a look at the latest news on a few key players making news for the wrong reasons this week:

LeSean McCoy, Bills

In the midst of an MVP season, bad news came for McCoy owners and Bills fans when he was yanked from Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury — one he injured a week earlier but returned from. He had just 11 yards on eight carries and was scene with his leg wrapped on the sidelines. His availability for a showdown with the Bills is in doubt next week, as Buffalo will likely want to rest up their star running back.

MikeGillislee would be the next man up, and any starting running back is worthy of consideration this deep into an injury-plagued season.

Tevin Coleman, Falcons

Coleman also has a hamstring injury and his status is unknown for Week 8 against the Packers. These kinds of injuries are tricky — but with Devonta Freeman in tow they’ll probably be more careful.

Terron Ward is third on the depth chart but with Coleman out, much like last season, it could be the Freeman show against Green Bay.

Geno Smith, Jets

Not many teams have Geno Smith — and his injury is only noteworthy, fantasywise, because it brings Ryan Fitzpatrick back into the fold. And with many starting QBs heading into byes soon, Fitz could be a viable option under the right circumstance.

Smith is expected to miss the rest of the year with a torn ACL.

Jeremy Hill, Bengals

Lost in the career game had by the Cincinnati running back was his injury at the end of the game — one that kept him from accumulating even more yardage. The game was well in hand when he left with a chest injury, and he could be back ready to go in Week 8.

Still, it’s a situation worth monitoring. Giovanni Bernard is the second RB in Cincy and could get more carries if Hill is less than 100 percent.

Theo Riddick, Lions

After an incredible start to the year as both a runner and pass catcher, Riddick hasn’t played in a game nor practiced in two weeks with an ankle injury. His status is unknown, but optimistic projections had him back this week. If he practices this week it will be a good sign.

In the meantime, Riddick owners should locateJustin Forsett and Zach Zenner on the waiver wire.

Jay Cutler, Bears

After the unlucky injury to another Bears QB, gunslinging Brian Hoyer, Chicago got some good news with their season-starter returning in Cutler.

“When he’s cleared medically, we’ll have him out there,” Bears coach John Fox said.

The veteran will start against the Minnesota Vikings defense in his return — not quite a good matchup for fantasy players.