Fantasy football injuries: Ben Roethlisberger to have surgery, Dez Bryant nearing return

The news coming out of NFL exam rooms heading into Week 7 is encouraging for some and discouraging for others.

Here’s a look at what we know, and what you should do if you have the following players on your fantasy squad:

Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

Pittsburgh announced Monday following the Steelers surprising loss in Miami that their quarterback was undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus. He returned to the game after missing some time to be diagnosed, but the Steelers brass is predicting he’ll miss at least one week. He is expected to return without missing too much more than that.

With the Steelers playing the Patriots in Week 7, no one in their right minds would pick up and start Landry Jones unless in big trouble and in a deep two quarterback league.

Dez Bryant, Cowboys

The Cowboys big, top wide receiver has been out for a few weeks and is getting close to making his return to the field. The buzz is that, following the Dallas bye, he’ll return against the Eagles in Week 8.

The Eagles have had a hit-or-miss pass defense, but Bryant returning to help rookie QB Dak Prescott (assuming he remains under center) makes him a good start candidate upon his return.

Dwayne Allen, Colts

The Indy tight end hurt his ankle and didn’t return in the Colts’ Sunday night loss in Week 6. He slammed his helmet on the sideline and was replaced by Jack Doyle.

Doyle caught a touchdown pass in the loss and, should Allen be out next week, could be a viable start for a fantasy squad in need.

Carlos Hyde, 49ers

The Niners running back left Sunday’s game against the Bills with a shoulder injury, returned briefly in the second half, and ended the game in the locker room before the end of the contest.

Head coach Chip Kelly didn’t know the extent of Hyde’s shoulder injury, but should the back be unable to go in Week 7, Shaun Draughn and Mike Davis will split carries in his absense.

LeSean McCoy, Bills

Another stud running back was luckier than most Sunday, as McCoy was able to overcome a big injury scare and run rampant against the 49ers in a blowout Buffalo win.

“My knee was stuck in the turf and it shifted a little bit, but it was fine.” McCoy said after the game. “It could have been something bad, but I feel fine. There were a few plays running on it where it was feeling kind of gimpy, but as the game got on, the adrenaline was pumping, I was fine.”