“Out of sight, out of mind.”

We all live our lives by this philosophy occasionally, but, in the twisting, turning world of fantasy football, that type of thinking can be costly.

Injuries occur on a weekly basis and, as they do, fantasy footballers tend to immediately downgrade or, if the injury warrants, eliminate those players from their roster completely. Superstars like Michael Vick (QB-Atlanta) or Michael Bennett (RB-Minnesota) hold enough potential value that they were drafted with the full knowledge that they may or may not play this season. They may have been out of sight, but were never out of mind.

Other productive, just not dominating, players tend to go from fantasy mainstays on Sunday to free agents the Monday after being injured. The prudent fantasy owner keeps a watchful eye on the injury list, then swoops in to add previously dumped players just as they are preparing to return to action.

The Vicks and Bennetts of the world were probably never available in the first place, but here are a few who may now be obtainable. If so, you may want to add them to your roster before their value returns to pre-injury status.

Jeremy Shockey (TE-Giants) ” The initial reports of a 6-8 week recovery period led Shockey owners drop him like a hot potato. Now that the return time has been shortened to as little as 3 weeks, he may be available for the first time since August, so don’t let him slip through your fingers second time.

Joe Jurevicius (WR-Buccaneers) ” Jurevicius launched the season in spectacular fashion before an injured knee rendering him useless for the last 2 months. With Keyshawn now “deactivated,” Jurevicius takes over as the starter and will see tons of action.

Emmit Smith (RB-Cardinals) ” Smith was slated as the starter in Arizona but gave way to Marcel Shipp after injuring his shoulder in Week 5. Now that Emmit is close to returning ” and Shipp banged up his knee last week ” Smith may get another shot. Either way, Smith won’t be happy riding the bench and will get some goal-line carries down the stretch.

Ask the Pundit

Pundit: I’ve been offered Jamal Lewis (RB-Ravens) and Anquan Boldin (WR-Cardinals) for Randy Moss (WR-Vikes) and Eddie George (RB-Titans). I have solid receivers beyond Moss, but need to upgrade at running back. Should I jump on this one or let it go?

” Jake in Colorado

Jake: This is the time of the year when teams grind it out on the ground to control the clock. Baltimore’s commitment to the running game will only increase given their questionable QB situation which only widens the gap in value between Lewis and George. Similarly, the Vikes will try to get untracked by running more in an effort to keep their defense off the field. This will cut into Moss’ production. Finally, Boldin has put up great numbers for an otherwise anemic Cardinals offense. Pull the trigger on this trade and don’t look back.

” The Pigskin Pundit

Question for the Pundit? Send it to Pigskinpundit@hotmail.com.