If you drafted one of the players mentioned in the headline of this story, chances are you relied on him in your starting lineup at some point this season. Unfortunately, all three guys are now on injured reserve and can be dropped from redraft leagues.
On Wednesday afternoon the New Orleans Saints officially placed running back Mark Ingram on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. It’s reportedly the same injury Ingram had been playing with during the past two weeks, but I guess he was no longer able to deal with the pain ant the team decided to shut him down.
Ingram’s season ends with 769 yards on 166 carries for an average of 4.6 yards per carry. He also had six touchdowns. Ingram was also a great weapon for Drew Brees in the passing game. Through 12 games he hauled in 50 passes for 405 yards.
Considering the Saints aren’t going anywhere this season, the team probably figured they would end his season a little early so he can begin the rehab process as soon as possible. He will likely be back with the team in 2016 as their starter.
One player who likely won’t be back with their team next season is tight end Martellus Bennett. The Chicago Bears recently placed him on injured reserve with a rib injury.
The 29-year-old was having another solid season for the team with 53 catches for 439 yards and three touchdowns. However, the team can save over $5 million if they cut him this offseason.
With quarterback Jay Cutler and running back Matt Forte getting older, the Bears may begin thinking about rebuilding their offense. If that’s the case, Bennett would likely be the first to go and the easiest to replace.
But don’t expect Bennett to be without a job for too long. He is a talented tight end and there are several teams who would love to have him.
Speaking of tight ends, the New York Giants also placed their tight end Larry Donnell on injured reserve with a neck injury that has sidelined him since Week 9.
Donnell’s future with the Giants is a huge question mark. Although he’s a solid contributor, he is not talented enough to be a starting tight end in the NFL. He may have a spot on the team’s roster going forward, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if he was cut in the offseason.
I don’t think Donnell has any fantasy football value going forward.