Austin injures hamstring: Cowboys WR Miles Austin appears headed back to the shelf for the next few weeks with a right hamstring issue. It’s been a frustrating year for Austin and the fantasy owners who have counted on him. However, recent weeks have seen the emergence of Laurent Robinson as a viable receiving threat. In his last two games, Robinson has 10 catches for 135 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With Austin possibly out of action for up to a month, Robinson is in line to become a bigger part of the passing game.

Mathews expected back for Week 10: The Chargers are optimistic that RB Ryan Mathews will be ready for Thursday’s game against the Raiders. The second-year back has been beset by injuries, most recently a groin issue that kept him out of Sunday’s contest against Green Bay. While it’s the only game he’s missed this season, the injury issues have made it hard for fantasy owners to count on him consistently. This week’s matchup against Oakland is a favorable one, especially after the Raiders were ripped for 299 rushing yards against the Broncos. A healthy Mathews figures to have a big day, but he might also give way to Mike Tolbert, who has been the more consistent Chargers running back this year.

Gore’s sprained ankle causes concern: While topping 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game, 49ers RB Frank Gore suffered a sprained ankle. The 49ers have the Giants up next, whose defense has been victimized by opposing running backs, allowing an average of 20.01 fantasy points per game to the position. If for any reason Gore is unable to go, Kendall Hunter is an ideal waiver-wire target. He’s owned in just 4.1 percent of NFL.com leagues. Otherwise, Gore owners should feel very good about this week.

– Marcas Grant

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