Empty the Bench

- It’s always frustrating to lose your first-round pick for the season, but Larry Johnson owners can’t say they weren’t warned. We’ve been expecting this for some time. The Chiefs are being understandably secretive until the official word comes down, but it looks like Johnson will miss the remainder of the season with a bad sprain or break in his mid-foot. It comes at a terrible time for owners clawing for a playoff birth, but at least most owners weren’t relying on him too heavily at this point.

Priest Holmes has already been added in nearly every league (or he should have been), and he is the natural player to turn to, but don’t expect a 2003-esque workload for Priest. Kolby Smith should also be added, and we expect the two to split carries despite the fact that Smith hasn’t gained a yard this season. The plan right now is to limit Priest to around 15 carries, but that should still make him a viable option this weekend. In the long run, we think it would be a little foolish to count on a player to hold up to an NFL pounding after not playing for two years, so plan accordingly.

- You probably shouldn’t be counting on him in any leagues at this point, but word out of Denver is that Jay Cutler should be under center this Sunday. It’s probably more relevant for owners who are considering Brandon Marshall in a tough matchup at Kansas City this weekend.

- After that whole Mike Vick fiasco in the offseason and with a couple of substance-related suspensions looming, it’s nice to know there are still some good guys in the NFL. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry is one of them. While it shouldn’t affect his performance on the field, Henry was involved in the following incident earlier this week:

According to the incident report, the valet parking attendant approached Henry and Desious Dyneal Alston, 24, after they parked a Land Rover without paying and started walking away Tuesday. The valet, according to the incident report, said Henry started arguing with him about parking when Baker approached and tried to resolve the argument.

According to the incident report, Baker told police that Henry came up to him and, chest to chest, said, “(Expletive) you. (Expletive) this. Don’t you know who I am?” before throwing a $5 bill on the ground and saying, “You better pick that up (expletive).”

Good stuff. It’s about time somebody stood up to those pushy valets. Henry should be started this weekend against a banged up and poorly-performing Ravens secondary. He was just activated, is a tremendous red-zone threat, and if Chad can’t go he could be a starter against a Ravens secondary that just surrendered 5 first-half TD receptions last week. Speaking of Chad, thank goodness that he appears to be just fine. He has a severe neck sprain, but it’s nothing serious and he may even play in Week 10.

- LenDale White is now second in the NFL in rushing attempts. Week 1 feels like a long time ago, doesn’t it? White has locked up a featured role and can be counted on as much as any back as a weekly starter at this point.

- By all accounts, Laurence Maroney is fully healthy and he’s still the starter in New England. So why was he only on the field for 23 of 58 offensive snaps on Sunday? You just know he’s going to score and have a big game one of these weeks, but owners can’t keep waiting–it may be time to move on with other options if you have them.

- Jacksonville Jaguars DT Marcus Stroud has been given a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He reportedly tested positive for anabolic steroids, and his absence is a major blow to the Jags defense. Stroud is one of the better run-stuffing linemen in the league, and it means you should upgrade LenDale White this weekend. LaDainian Tomlinson, Marshawn Lynch and Joseph Addai should also have a much easier time against the Jags in the coming month.

- Zach Thomas is dying. Or hurt, or something, whatever. He’s going through migraine headaches resulting from a concussion he suffered earlier this year, and if he doesn’t play on Sunday Marshawn Lynch should be in for an even bigger game against a thoroughly crappy Dolphins defense. Lee Evans and J.P. Losman, who was named the starter for now, should also be considered strong options.

- In other Dolphins news, Don Shula is insane with jealousy. He should quiet himself.

More Free Fantasy Football Advice for Week Ten:

ETB’s Week Ten Position Ranks

ETB’s Week Ten Matchups

ETB’s Week Ten Cheat Sheet

ETB’s Week Ten Stock Report