Sleeper Watch

Talk about timing. Just when Charlie Garner goes down for the season with a tear in his patellar tendon, Michael Pittman returns from a three-game suspension incurred for ramming his SUV into his wife’s car (which also happened to be carrying his two-year-old son and the child’s baby-sitter at the time). Hopefully, Pittman can now turn his attention to ramming opposing defensive linemen instead…

With Garner out, Pittman inherits starting RB duties in Tampa Bay, and should be a decent fantasy back for the rest of the season. Last year, playing in a similar role, he rushed for 751 yards in 187 carries for a solid 4.0 yards-per-carry mark. His value increases in leagues that award points for receptions; he caught 75 passes in 2003 for 597 yards and two scores.

Unfortunately, when the Bucs approach the goal line, Mike Alstott will once again be called upon to carry the ball into the end zone, and will also become more involved in the offense in other situations. Pittman should still receive the bulk of the touches, however.

Given his expected low touchdown total, Pittman shouldn’t be considered an elite fantasy RB. Yet any starting back has value, and if you’re one of the many owners having to deal with injuries to star rushers, Michael Pittman might be just what the doctor ordered.