Fantasy football: What to do with Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis, Dwayne Bowe

We have hit a crucial period in the fantasy football season. The trade deadline in many leagues has passed, so the waiver wire is your surreal squad’s sole source of sustenance. Recent developments have you pining for players in the pool.

Philadelphia Eagles halfback Brian Westbrook has absorbed two concussions in the span of three weeks. The Washington Redskins‘ Clinton Portis said he’s in no hurry to suit up after suffering a concussion in Week 9. Dwayne Bowe (Kansas City Chiefs) has been suspended for four weeks because he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

What do I do with (insert name here)?

Oftentimes, that’s an easy question to answer.

Situation: Miami Dolphins do-it-all Ronnie Brown (foot) won’t play football again in 2009 (unless that’s what he calls his ukulele).

Solution: Toss him out on the street.

Situation: The Cincinnati Bengals‘ Cedric Benson has a strained abductor and may not play in Week 11.

Solution: Make a cozy spot by the fireplace for him – and see if he’d like some dark chocolate cocoa or mango chai. It’s chilly outside!

Westbrook, Portis and Bowe each present more of a dilemma. And, of course, the opening statement always begins with … say it with me … “It depends.”

Brian Westbrook

Situation: First, I hope you traded for LeSean McCoy, like I did a couple of weeks ago.

Until we get word from a pair of docs in the Steel City, Westbrook’s 2009 fantasy value seems up in the air. The NFL doesn’t follow the concussion grading scale anymore. The medical community knows relatively little about the brain and post-concussion syndrome.

Will Westy land on your waiver wire?

According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms can last for weeks, even months. Evidence suggests folks who have endured more than one concussion in their lifetime have cumulative neurological damage.

B-West’s risk for another concussion is high. Many athletes probably return from their first one too quickly. (In 2002 I suffered one in a soccer match and then re-entered it. Or was it ‘03? Crap. See?) Eric Lindros, Ted Johnson, Pat LaFontaine, Harry Carson … youch.

Solution: In leagues with 168 players or fewer owned (i.e., your 12-team, 14-man variety), cut him loose. No sense in waiting. The 16-man, 12-teamers are on the brink; if you need a body and have no one else to drop, see ya. Anything bigger, you can probably afford to wait for official word.

(Incidentally, Pittsburgh is quite the health hub. My cousin is graduating from nursing school and is interviewing at UPMC Presbyterian, a branch of the world-renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital circuit. Memo to UPMC: Alanna McWilliams is awesome! Can she use this as a reference?)

Clinton Portis

Situation: Westbrook’s second head ding served as a public service announcement. Portis is playing it smart; he cited Ladell Betts‘ strong play in his absence as a factor. C’mon. If the ‘Skins had to line up George Clinton at tailback, it mustn’t affect Portis’ timetable. (By the way, that P-funk would play nice in the flats, wouldn’t it?)

Portis called his situation “major.” He’s open to splitting touches with Betts when he’s healthy. It may take Portis a couple of weeks or more, but the veteran rusher has been dealing with aches and pains all season.

The extra time could allow him to be fresh for the fantasy playoffs. The Oakland Raiders (Week 14) beckon, and the New York Giants (Week 15) haven’t been so tough against the run lately. The Dallas Cowboys (Week 16) present a challenge, though.

Solution: Hang on in most formats. What Portis has given you ain’t much, but the touches he’ll probably receive means he could deliver more than waiver wire fodder can, especially if he’s a rested. He should still be able to work out in some non-contact activities.

Dwayne Bowe

Situation: Straight deal: You won’t see him until Week 15. Bowe and his agent state that Bowe was popped for use of a diuretic. He was apparently attempting to lose weight to comply with head coach Todd Haley’s strict conditioning edicts.

Bowe released a statement today. Among the highlights: ” My reputation is everything.” He may not have been in Haley’s good graces in training camp, but he busted his butt to earn his starting job back. Maybe it was easy, considering that he’s the most talent receiver on the roster.

Portis will wait until he sees a clearer path

Maybe he cares, too. Someone urging you to throw him away? Not me. Bowe might be motivated enough to do some damage against the Cleveland Browns in his first game back. The Bengals (Week 16) loom. They have a great defense, but they’re 21st in the NFL against the pass.

Solution: Drop Bowe in very shallow leagues; you probably need someone to help you now. Just keep him in mind as you approach Week 15. If you’re in a league in which you can house him as your fifth wideout or worse, though, do it. Receivers are always floating on the wire, but few have his potential.