Excerpts from 4th & Long and other injury updates

Here are a few snippets from my 4th & Long column in Sporting News' Fantasy Source, as well as some updated injury news from around the league.

THE WALKING WOUNDED

I advised you to grab Nick Foles last week, but he's still only owned in roughly 30 percent of all leagues. Following his bravura four-TD performance against the Bucs, that's hard to understand. Don't be surprised if Mike Vick's recovery keeps dragging on well past this weekend's matchup with the Cowboys.

Jake Locker is trying to return to the field this weekend, which would be welcome news for Nate Washington, who was soaring before Locker went down with his hip injury.  Ryan Fitzpatrick has since ruined his value.

Joseph Randle will start for the Cowboys in Week 7, but it will be strictly by default. Dallas had high expectations for the former Oklahoma State star when they drafted him, but he was thoroughly outplayed during the preseason by both Lance Dunbar (hamstring) and Phillip Tanner (arm). With DeMarco Murray (knee) injured yet again, it may be wise to avoid the backups altogether until Dunbar, the pick of the litter, is healthy.

With news that David Wilson's season, if not his career, could be in jeopardy due to a serious neck condition, Brandon Jacobs should be the Giants' featured back until Andre Brown (leg) returns. That won't be until Week 10, at the earliest. It's hard to believe that new arrival Peyton Hillis will encroach on Jacobs' workload much. (Then again, isn't that what we all thought about Jacobs a few weeks ago?) On Monday night, Jacobs' owners won't just be chasing last week's stats given that he'll be facing a Vikings defense that surrenders the most fantasy points to opposing rushers. With so little competition for carries, the not-quite-finished-yet grinder should have his second consecutive stellar outing.

No Steven Jackson (hamstring) this weekend. Again. Remember when you hesitated to draft him a couple months ago, knowing that along with all that upside from his move to Atlanta, you were getting a 30-year-old back that had taken a tremendous amount of pounding over the previous nine years? Yeah, this is why you hesitated. And why your league-mates were glad you made their decision easier.

Look for Stevie Johnson to return from his back injury this week. Given Thad Lewis' impressive 2013 debut against the stout Cincinnati pass defense, and with the mediocre Dolphins secondary up next, there are enough reasons to believe Johnson can be a solid starter on Sunday.

Last Sunday was a great day to be a Jordy Nelson owner, with both Randall Cobb (leg) and James Jones (knee) biting the dust. Cobb is out till Week 15, at the earliest, and I wouldn't get my hopes up about Jones playing this weekend. While their absences would increase Jarrett Boykin's role in the Packers' offense, the real beneficiary will likely be Jermichael Finley, who is expected to line up at wide receiver now.

Percy Harvin is eligible to be activated off the PUP list, and he is expected to start practicing next week. Grab Harvin if he's still available, as he could come in very handy down the stretch. Russell Wilson's value will soar as well with his multi-talented new wideout on the field.

The big news of the day is that Rob Gronkowski has been medically cleared to play this weekend. Presumably that means he actually will play; so, of course, he should move right into your starting lineup. That sound you hear is Tom Brady's owner singing Hallelujah.

Given the likelihood that Danny Amendola will still be recovering from his concussion, Gronk's return is welcome news indeed in New England. [Update: Amendola has been ruled out for Week 7.]

Roddy White has likewise been ruled out, as expected.  Matt Ryan will be sitting on my bench while he struggles with only Gonzo, Harry Douglas and Jacquizz Rodgers to throw to.

Santonio Holmes won't play again this week.

Mike Williams (hamstring) expects to play against the Falcons.

Those who had high hopes for Chiefs TE Seth McGrath (not sure why) can dump him now if you haven't already after Week 6's goose egg.

Offseason acquisition Anthony Fasano is probable for this weekend and should take over the starting role.  Don't jump on him right away either; the KC passing game is only for the desperate.

PERSONAL NOTES

TO RUSSELL WILSON: Very impressive, young man. I can't wait to see what you do with Percy in the huddle.

TO STEVAN RIDLEY: You made me feel foolish for drafting you. Now you expect me to trust you again? Let's see what you can do against the Jets first. Then we'll talk.

TO ROB GRONKOWSKI: Welcome back, big boy. You've got a lot of catching up to do.