The fantasy love affair with Donnie Avery started in Week 7 of the 2008 season. I picked up Avery as an injury replacement and was pleasantly surprised when he had 55 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Cowboys.

I rolled the dice a week later and Avery responded with 163 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots for Rank’s Tanks. This love affair turned into a full-blown relationship with some highs, but mostly lows. And despite the seemingly endless disappointment, there was always a spot for Avery on my team.

So the news is sad today as Avery suffered a serious knee injury against the Patriots. A horrible blow seeing that the Rams’ offense was nearly unstoppable in the first half. There are whispers that he could be done for the season, but nobody is certain yet. Even looking at the video still — of Avery on the ground, clutching his knee — is almost too much to bear.

And while I did scramble to add Buccaneers WR Mike Williams to my team, I still could not part with Avery just yet (I dropped the Dolphins defense instead). For even if I do have to release Avery — and I will hate to do it — he will always be a part of my squad. In fact, I sent out a memo to the players on my team to let them know that we are playing for Avery this year.

In fact, I am thinking of changing my team name to “Doing it for 17.” I’m already having wristbands made up. My team will wear them Week 1.

Godspeed, Avery, as we wait on the prognosis.

– Adam Rank

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