July 13, 2017

Week 4 Fantasy Injury Report: Return of the Running Backs

Matt Smith/CFL.ca

Running backs are the focus of the Week 4 injury report. As one team begins to cope with life without its top runner, another welcomes a dual-threat to the roster, while a third team finds itself facing a pleasant problem, albeit one that leaves Fantasy owners in a state of uncertainty.

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Toronto at Winnipeg
Thursday | 8:30 p.m. ET

Whitaker appears to be good to go against the Bombers after leaving last week’s game following a hard hit (The Canadian Press)

 Ricky Ray lost the services of receiver DeVier Posey ($4981), who was placed on the six-game injured list on Wednesday. Posey was tied with teammate S.J. Green for the fourth-most catches in the league, so his loss is obviously a huge hit to a receiving corps that is still without Jeff Fuller. Rookie Jimmy Ralph ($2,500) gets the start for Posey, and while he is an intriguing prospect, expect Armanti Edwards ($4,148) to see the majority of Posey’s targets. Argonauts running back Brandon Whitaker ($5,952) left last week’s win at Ottawa after taking a helmet to helmet hit, yet it appears he will get the start on Thursday night, as he is listed atop the depth chart. Keep a close eye on this one since James Wilder ($3,000) will be in line to replace Whitaker if he is indeed unable to answer the call. Either way, whoever starts will see limited touches in an offence that throws the ball four out of every five plays from scrimmage.

As for the Blue Bombers, everyone is good to go per their depth chart. Fantasy owners should not worry themselves about playing anyone, especially since Matt Nichols and friends will seek to erase the memories of last week’s struggles away.

Calgary at Montreal
Friday | 7:00 p.m. ET

Finch is back for Week 4 after serving his two-game suspension (The Canadian Press)

The Stampeders get the services of running back/return specialist Roy Finch ($3,707), who missed the last two games while serving a suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Finch should see his share of punt return opportunities considering that the Alouettes have the league’s lowest-scoring offence and are eighth in yards per game, making last year’s leader in punt return yards an interesting option.

The usual cast of starters will be available for Montreal, although the question of when Brandon Rutley ($5,665) makes his 2017 debut remains a question. Rutley has been a scratch in each of the Alouettes’ first three games, as Tyrell Sutton’s ($6,407) strong start has placed him atop the league leaders in rushing yards. Return specialist Stefan Logan ($4,149) will also be available after sustaining a minor eye injury in last week’s loss to BC.

Edmonton at Ottawa
Friday | 10:00 p.m. ET

The amount of touches for Madu could be reduced with the return of Powell (Jason Halstead/CFL.ca)

With John White ($8,836) out for the season with an ACL injury, the focus of the Eskimos’ ground game falls upon Travon Van ($3,577), who produced 14.1 Fantasy points against a rugged Montreal defence in Week 2. Van has the potential for a bigger output as he faces a REDBLACKS D that has allowed a league-high 100 points in the first three weeks. He’s a strong bargain who will allow Fantasy owners the chance to play a higher-salaried performer while getting top-end production at a lower price.

The REDBLACKS have a running back issue of their own, as William Powell ($5,750) says he’s ready to return after missing the last two games with an ankle injury. That could mean Mossis Madu ($7,475) could see his touches cut into by Powell, who looked solid in the season opener before going down late in the first half of the tie against Calgary.

BC at Hamilton
Saturday | 7:30 p.m. ET

Scheuerman will get his second straight start for the Ticats in favour of Gable (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

The Lions should have a more productive Bryan Burnham ($5,111), who played with a hip injury in last week’s win over Montreal. The team is also three weeks away from getting explosive wideout Chris Williams ($7,074) off the injured list, which will add a jolt to the numbers of pivot Jonathon Jennings ($11,625).

The Ticats will go with running back Ross Scheuerman ($2,500) at starter for a second week, leaving C.J. Gable ($5,434) either on the bench or a second straight scratch. With the sluggish start the offence has delivered in the first two games, Hamilton players are going to be risky plays until Zach Collaros ($8,852) can get things on track.