Diagnosis NFL

They're not chanting "Deuce," they're yelling "Boooooo!"

That's the sound Deuce McAllister owners are making after hearing the bad news that their guy could be out for the remainder of the season. McAllister, the New Orleans Saints' power back, reportedly tore his ACL in Monday night's loss to the Tennessee Titans.

That's Deuce's second ACL tear in three years, for those scoring at home, and although he wasn't enjoying the kind of success we expected (24 carries, 92 yards, zero TDs), it's still a big blow to our fantasy plans.

Since Reggie Bush is no doubt already spoken for in your league - and stands to receive a lot more touches in the coming weeks - you may want to take a look at Aaron Stecker, the man who will replace McAllister in the Saints' lineup. Stecker, however, has never really been a feature back in his eight-year NFL career, and given how clueless the Saints' offense has looked so far, I'd keep your expectations to a minimum.

As most of you are well aware, McAllister isn't the only wounded fantasy star, so let's play doctor (no, not in that way) and check out some other injury situations:

• The St. Louis Rams are falling apart. Marc Bulger is playing hurt, and Steven Jackson has already been ruled out for Week 4 - and possibly longer - with a partially torn groin.

Bulger's two broken ribs and sore knee explain some of the Rams' offensive shortcomings so far, but it looks like he's going to play through the pain. With Jackson out, Bulger might just end up throwing it more, so I'm not much more concerned about him than I already was.

I am more concerned about Jackson, who hasn't been the yardage monster we hoped so far. The obvious remedy is to grab rookie Brian Leonard, last seen running over, around and through opponents at Rutgers. Leonard will move from his fullback position to starting tailback and stands to see a lot of action in Jackson's absence. Add him now.

• Brian Westbrook is messing with us again. The Philadelphia Eagles tailback has an abdominal strain, but don't plant him on your bench unless you officially hear the magic word: "out."

You may recall the perpetually injured Westbrook was questionable for last Sunday's game with a knee ailment, then busted out 110 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards and three total touchdowns. The lesson is to never sit Westbrook unless you know for sure the Eagles are doing the same.

• San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis is out for at least a few weeks with a sprained MCL. He's too talented to drop, but you'll need a capable fill-in for the time being.

• Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson has been ruled out for Week 4, so you'll have to look elsewhere again. And running back Ahman Green is dealing with a sore knee, so if he can't go, Ron Dayne might be worth a start agains the Atlanta Falcons.

• Jake Delhomme is day-to-day with a bum elbow. The Carolina Panthers would turn to David Carr in his absence this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but I'd hold off on starting him unless you're really in a pinch. Steve Smith owners should brace themselves for a bumpy ride.

• Pittsburgh Steelers WR Hines Ward is doubtful for Week 4 with a sprained knee. Nate Washington would get the start in his place against the Arizona Cardinals, but I'd be more excited about the opportunities it opens up for Santonio Holmes.