Slash instead of stash

FANTASY football has evolved tremendously over the years. League formats, scoring systems, roster constructions and more have changed over time to enhance the game for the everyday player.

Even the concept of lineup micromanagement, once frowned upon by many, has grown in popularity with the ever-increasing amount of statistical data we have readily available. But as far as we’ve come, there is still one thing fantasy owners have yet to grasp — the ability to let go.

The recent rash of injuries to highlevel players has spurred the debate over stashing hurt players — particularly, players who are expected to be out for an extended period of time.

David Johnson owners were told he could be back sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Greg

Olsen’s broken foot and Corey Coleman’s broken hand have both on IR, designated to return after eight weeks. The players will be out for almost the entire fantasy regular season, yet owners continue to hold them, despite the negative roster impact.

And it doesn’t end there. Recent reports of Josh Gordon, a guy who hasn’t set foot on an NFL field in two years, f inishing rehab and applying, once again, for reinstatement have fantasy owners senselessly picking him up and stashing him now, expecting him to return to his 2014 level.

Obviously, they have forgotten about his chronic lapses during recovery and are ignoring the fact the Browns don’t even want him back. Even if he were reinstated in, say, three weeks, as some have suggested, by the time he finds a team, learns the playbook and practices, we could be looking at a Week 9 return, at best.

Those who stash say they’re doing it for the fantasy playoffs, but this belief that a player will return and be in top form seems irrational. Recovery setbacks happen and players struggle. We see it all the time. There isn’t any guarantee they return, so with bye weeks approaching and other possible injuries, your bench spots are critical. Losing them to a longterm stash kills your flexibility.