by Mike Harmon

Updated: October 3, 2008, 6:54 PM EST 1 comment

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It came as no surprise that the list of players injured in this game was quite long, and the Steelers are now scrambling to shore up their backfield following injuries to Rashard Mendenhall (shoulder) and Carey Davis. I addressed Mendenhall's season-ending shoulder injury and its immediate impact in my blog last night after hearing those words "injured reserve" come out of Mike Tomlin's mouth.

Owners who invested in the Pittsburgh backfield are scurrying to the waiver wire upon hearing this latest news, as it appears that Willie Parker will miss at least one more game before returning from a knee injury. The shoulder injury sustained by Aaron Rodgers has owners thinking about quarterbacks, and the bye weeks, injuries and a suspension (Plaxico Burress) have owners contemplating changes in their receiving corps.

Let's trip the waiver wire with this week's Fantasy Six-Packs.

Quarterbacks

1. Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins

For some reason, Campbell remains available in nearly one quarter of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues. He's yet to throw an interception and has improved snap-over-snap. Santana Moss is past all of the injuries that hampered his 2007 play, and we've seen Antwaan Randle El emerge as a potent check-down option.

2. Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills

Edwards has yet to post a monster fantasy day, but that day is coming soon. He showed tremendous poise in the comeback win over St. Louis, and you have to be encouraged by the early-season connection with Lee Evans, who usually doesn't crack the stat sheet until December. Edwards remains available in 24 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues, and I like his matchup this weekend against Arizona. We watched the defensive line fail to surmount any type of pressure without Bertrand Berry on the edge against Brett Favre, and I expect Edwards to have comparable time to throw. Clearly, he won't throw six touchdowns, but a multi-touchdown game is on the docket.

3. Brian Griese, Tampa Bay Buccaners

Griese faces off against his former team this weekend, and we've seen that Jon Gruden has full confidence in his right arm. Griese threw three interceptions against the Packers, one of which was returned for a touchdown, but he showed great poise to rally his squad to victory. Antonio Bryant, Ike Hilliard and perhaps a return by Joey Galloway will keep Griese gunning downfield. He'll be motivated to throw against the Broncos and should experience success downfield, their top-notch cornerbacks notwithstanding. The Broncos have surrendered 276 passing yards (many in comeback mode) and a total of seven touchdown passes this season. Griese is available in two-third of FOXSports.com leagues.

4. Kyle Orton, Chicago Bears

Orton has quietly thrown multiple touchdown passes in back-to-back games. Although the Eagles had his number for much of the second half, it was interesting to watch Orton distribute the ball to his receivers, including the early involvement of Greg Olsen and Devin Hester. The availability of Brandon Lloyd is still up in the air, but you have to like Orton's growth. His next start will be at Detroit, a defense that has allowed 222.7 yards and two touchdowns per game while generating zero interceptions and only three sacks overall. Orton is available in 85 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

5. Gus Frerotte, Minnesota Vikings

Frerotte didn't complete a touchdown pass against the Titans and sustained an injury, but he's ready to roll for Week 5 against the Vikings (he's averaged 235 passing yards in the past two weeks). If the O-Line can pass protect against the Saints (something SF couldn't), then Frerotte should be able to take advantage of downfield threat Bernard Berrian. Additionally, they're getting some involvement from tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the red zone. He's a possible spot play for those crushed by injuries or the bye week, but certainly warrants a roster slot. Frerotte is available in 91 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

6. Damon Huard, Kansas City Chiefs

He won't put up huge numbers, but he's efficient. Huard completed 75 percent of his pass attempts against the Broncos with one touchdown, zero turnovers and one sack. He had strong receiving options in Dwayne Bowe and Tony Gonzalez, and we've seen a rebirth of sorts by tailback Larry Johnson. Huard is available in 96.5 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

Bonus: Marc Bulger, St Louis Rams

Bulger is virtually unowned in fantasy leagues following his dismissal by former coach Scott Linehan. He's been returned to the starting role by Jim Haslett, and I expect this team to respond well. We certainly know that Torry Holt and Steven Jackson approve of the move. The Rams are on a bye this week, so his return may slip under the radar of fantasy owners looking ahead to Week 5.

Running backs

1. Rudi Johnson, Detroit Lions

Johnson assumes the starting role in Detroit coming out of the bye week, supplanting rookie Kevin Smith. He rushed for 83 yards in Week 3, adding 48 receiving yards and a touchdown. Most importantly, Johnson's hamstring injury appears to be a thing of the past. It's not an easy matchup against the Bears, but the Lions will seek to maintain a balanced offense going forward, and that portends to big outings by Johnson. He's available in 49 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

2. Correll Buckhalter, Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook remains questionable for the coming week because of the ankle injury sustained in Week 3. Buckhalter played well in place of Westbrook against Chicago, rushing for 66 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 24 yards. Now, certainly those who inserted Buckhalter last week would like a do-over of that goal-line debacle. Buckhalter remains available in 60 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

3. Mewelde Moore, Pittsburgh Steelers

He's the last man standing in Pittsburgh. Mendenhall is done of the year because of a shoulder injury, and Parker is likely to miss another game because of his sprained knee. Moore carried the ball nine times for 19 yards against the Ravens, but demonstrated good hands and great elusiveness in the open field as a receiver during the overtime period. He's currently available in 99 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

4. Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

Oakland's Michael Bush is worth claiming with injuries to Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden. (Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images)

Darren McFadden is clearly hurting, and Justin Fargas' status for Week 6 (the Raiders have a bye this week) is uncertain. Bush has excelled as the No. 2 back in this offense, showing a good combination of power and speed, as well as great hands as a receiver. Bush finished Week 4 with 128 total yards in the near-upset of San Diego. He should not be available except in those leagues with the shallowest of benches, yet Bush is available in 79 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

5. Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dunn carried the ball a season-high 16 times in Week 4 against Green Bay, marking his second straight home appearance with double-digit carries. Dunn averaged 3.9 yards per carry, but offers a change-of-pace from bruiser Earnest Graham. He'll continue to see a sizable number of carries (10.5 per game thus far) in his return to Tampa. Dunn is available in 57 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

6. Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Jackson won't supplant Marshawn Lynch as the starter anytime soon, but he's become a phenomenal change-of-pace option for Dick Jauron. He scampered for a 22-yard touchdown run in Week 4 and has proven to be a strong receiver out of the backfield. Jackson should be added by Lynch's owners for protection, but there will be intriguing slots to put him into a Flex position (perhaps even this week). Jackson remains available in 90 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

Wide receivers

1. Lance Moore, New Orleans Saints

Moore caught seven passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the 49ers, clearly establishing himself as the go-to receiver until Marques Colston's return. The loss of Jeremy Shockey to a sports hernia injury leaves Moore and Reggie Bush as the top receiving options, with second-year receiver Robert Meachem also in the mix. Both Moore and Meachem warrant consideration on the wire. Moore is available in 97 percent of FOXSports.com leagues, while Meachem is available in 80 percent.

2. Matt Jones, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jones led the Jaguars with five receptions for 71 yards last week, including the aforementioned touchdown grab. He has caught five or more passes in each of the Jaguars' first four games, averaging 61 receiving yards per contest. Despite his strong start to the season, fantasy owners have been reticent to add Jones to their rosters. Jones remains available in 88 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues. Note that he does have a court day in early October that could impact his status.

3. Kevin Walter, Houston Texans

Walter caught eight passes for 76 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Jaguars. Fantasy owners and fans who expected the Houston offense to thrive in 2008 final caught glimpses of a breakthrough. Walter remains a frequent target for Matt Schaub and has actually averaged five receptions per game to open the year. Despite a large target total, Walter remains available in 71 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

4. Bobby Engram, Seattle

Engram caught a career-high 94 passes last season for the Seahawks. He's ready to return to the field and reclaim his role as the top target for Matt Hasselbeck after missing the first four games with a shoulder injury. Engram is, and shouldn't be, available in 56 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

5. Reggie Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Brown has finally recovered from the injuries that kept him out of the Eagles' first three games. He played a large role in the Philadelphia offense immediately against Chicago, registering six receptions for 79 yards in the 24-20 loss. Given rookie DeSean Jackson's lapses (his numbers are great, but there have been issues), Brown should reclaim his No. 1 slot in short order. He's available in 53 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

6. Steve Breaston, Arizona Cardinals

Breaston played a large role in the failed comeback attempt against the Jets, catching nine passes for 122 yards. This receiver/returner is explosive and will retain the No. 3 role in Ken Whisenhunt's offense. Breaston is on the waiver watch this week, as it's possible that Anquan Boldin will be sidelined following that violent collision in the end zone late in that shootout against the Jets. He's available in 98 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

Tight ends

1. Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins

Fasano has scored in two of the Dolphins' first three games. He's averaged 50 yards per game (75 in the two games in which he recorded a catch) and is clearly a sizable target for Chad Pennington. Fasano can work against linebackers downfield, and has shown an ability to create space in the red zone. If you're playing week-to-week at the tight end position, put in for Fasano. The Chargers have surrendered a receiving touchdown to a tight end each week. Fasano is available in 55 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

2. Owen Daniels, Houston Texans

Daniels posted a breakout game in Week 4 against Jacksonville. Granted, the passing game hadn't shown many positives in its previous two games. Daniels caught seven passes for 87 yards and will see his role increase as defenses start to respect Steve Slaton's elusiveness out of the backfield. Daniels remains available in 35 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

3. Visanthe Shiancoe, Minnesota Vikings

Shiancoe's drop of a sure touchdown pass in Week 2 against Indianapolis still looms large in the minds of owners, but I'm trying to be positive here. He made good on the next target he saw in the painted grass and hauled in a touchdown. Shiancoe remains a top option in the red zone and finished last week's game with four receptions for 47 yards. He's available in 94 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues and could be a sneaky play against the Saints.

4. Kevin Boss, New York Giants

Boss produced a breakout game in Week 3, catching the game-winner from Eli Manning following two quiet weeks. He stands to see a larger role in Week 5 against Seattle with Plax out of the lineup. Granted, Boss will be called upon to block against the aggressive Seattle blitz packages, but I believe he'll still factor in the red zone. Boss remains available in 84 percen of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

5. Robert Royal, Buffalo Bills

Might Royal break the pattern this weekend? He's played a large role for owners in two home games while disappearing on the road (one catch for eight yards in two games). Royal amassed 10 catches for 86 yards and a touchdown in two home dates and just might factor into this week's plan against Arizona. I expect Trent Edwards to find success against the Cardinals, whose pass rush has been impacted by the absence of Berry. Royal is available in 69 percent of FOXSports.com fantasy leagues.

6. Bo Scaife, Tennessee Titans

The yardage totals have been there during the past three weeks, but Scaife remains a frequent target of Kerry Collins. He's caught three or more passes in three of the Titans' first four games. I don't believe Scaife is a huge target this weekend against the Ravens, who normally offer zero opportunities to tight ends. However, Scaife will continue to rack up catches, helping those owners in PPR leagues. Scaife is available in 46 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.