Beanie Wells Has Mysterious Knee Injury; Get Alfonso Smith

Beanie Wells has a knack for getting injured. And his fantasy owners are worried this week, when he took that knack to the next level when he re-injured his surgically-repaired right knee in the Cardinals game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

So now what? Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said he didn't know the severity of Wells' injury, but we're guessing it's not going to be good news for fantasy footballers. 

Wells injured his knee in the second quarter and did not return. Not a good sign.

So while most fantasy owners handcuffed Beanie with LaRod Stephens-Howling, Howling got exactly zero carries filling in for Wells. He did catch two passes for 76 yards and a touchdown, but the lack of carries is very concerning.

Alfonso Smith, instead, got the replacement carries, posting 17 yards and a touchdown on five carries. Smith is the waiver wire back to get this week, as he's the guy to get the majority of carries and touches if Wells is out for an extended period of time.

LaRod Stephens-Howling looks to be the change of pace, third down back who may get a few catches here and there, but probably won't touch the ball enough to be worth a roster spot, even in PPR leagues. (But if you're desperate, I guess you could do worse.)

But before you blow a waiver wire pick on Smith, make sure Beanie is out. The Cardinals play the Ravens tough defense next week, before getting the soft Rams run defense in week 9.