We are only three weeks in, but 2010 already appears to be the year of the injured running back.  The guys that line up in the back field are literally dropping like flies.  Several potential starters went down in the preseason, then we saw Ryan Grant get hit with a season-ending injury in week one, Ryan Matthews was a victim in week two, and now week three has taken its toll on a few more backs.  With Ray Rice nursing an injured knee, Knowshon Moreno’s hamstring apparently acting up again, Steven Jackson straining his groin, and Jahvid Best dealing with turf-toe, now is the time to make sure you have a back-up plan at the running back position already in place.

With that being said, it is not surprising to see our waiver wire suggestions heavily loaded with running backs.  If you need some depth (and who are you kidding, we can all use some depth at the running back position), we suggest you pick up one of these guys, if they still happen to be available.

Peyton Hillis, RB, CLE – Another one of those running backs who went down in week three was Jerome Harrison, who was inactive for the Browns’ game against the Ravens on Sunday with a thigh injury.  Peyton Hillis started in his place and carried the load throughout the day, but what was most impressive was the manner in which he carried that load.  Against a Ravens defense that is known to be stout against the run, Hillis racked up 144 yards and a touchdown.  That should be enough to earn him the full-time starting job for the Browns, as well as a spot on your fantasy roster.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, NE - With Kevin Faulk out for the season and Fred Taylor hobbled by an injured toe, Green-Ellis was the main man in the Pats’ back-field and he made the most of his opportunity, racking up 98 yards and a touchdown.  We should keep in mind that those numbers came against a Bills defense that is rather poor against the run, but on a team that can move the ball like the Pats, he should get his fair share of opportunities to punch the ball into the end zone.

Laurence Maroney, RB, DEN – With Knowshon Moreno dealing with hamstring issues, Maroney is expected to see the bulk of the carries in the Broncos backfield.  That was the case on Sunday when he rushed for 24 yards on 12 carries against the Colts.  He was also stopped on a 4th down attempt from inside the Colts’ 1-yard line.  Maroney was not impressive, but if Moreno continues to be plagued by injuries, Maroney should continue to fill in as the starter in Denver.

Kenneth Darby, RB, STL - Steven Jackson was another one of those running backs who sustained an injury on Sunday, and with the Rams’ workhorse out, Darby filled in quite nicely to the tune of 49 yards and a touchdown.  St. Louis may not be an elite running game, but when you are looking for depth at the running back position, any starter is a good bet, and Darby might be just that if Jackson continues to get hit by the injury bug.

Louis Murphy, WR, OAK – I have never been one to endorse a Raider as a good fantasy addition to your team, but with Darren McFadden looking good, maybe it is time to break that trend.  So are there any other viable fantasy players on the Oakland roster?  Yes, there is.  And one of them happens to be Louis Murphy.  Since going with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, Murphy has seen a steady rise in production.  In week two he put up an impressive 91 yards and a touchdown, and in week three he was at it once again with five receptions for 119 yards.  It appears as though he and Gradkowski have developed some chemistry with each other, and as long as the Raiders continue to trail in games, Murphy should continue to see a steady number of balls thrown his way.

It can be difficult to identify such players, and that is why we here at TPS are going to help you out. Each Tuesday for the remainder of the season, we will give you some players to look out for that may be on your waiver wire. These players are the ones we assume are available in most leagues, but beware. There may be better free agents out there that we have not listed because we just assume that someone should already have taken them. If one of those guys is a free agent in your league, PICK HIM UP!

Here is a look at some guys you may want to take a look at in you league:

Chad Henne, MIA, QB: It can be tough to find a reliable backup quarterback on the waiver wire, but you may want to take a chance on the Dolphins’ Chad Henne.  He was impressive in a week 5 victory over the New York Jets, throwing for 241 yards and two touchdowns.  He will not be asked to do much with Miami’s strong ground attack, but when called upon, Henne has shown he can get the job done.  With favorible matchup in the future (and some nice ones during fantasy playoffs), he may prove to be valuable somewhere down the road.

Laurence Maroney, NE, RB: The New England Patriots’ backfield is always unpredictable, but with Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris both sustaining injuries, coach Bill Belicheck is left with little options outside Maroney and Kevin Faulk.  Maroney showed that he is ready to step up after recording 123 yards and a touchdown against the Titans.  Although we are not ready to say he set to produce in the fashion we believe he would upon entering the league, he is worth picking up if you are in need of some depth at the position.

Mike Bell, NO, RB: The situation in the New Orleans backfield has also become quite confusing with injuries and depth leaving several fantasy owners flustered, but in week 6 it became apparent that both Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell would see work when they are available.  What makes Bell that much more intriguing is the fact that he appears to see more of the goal line work.  Considering the Saints ability to move the ball down the field, you can expect him to get his opportunities to get into the end zone, making him a smart waiver pick up.

Johnny Knox, CHI, WR: He may only be a rookie, but Johnny Knox seems to be building a chemestry with Bears’ quarterback Jay Cutler.  Knox has scored touchdowns in three of his last four games, and although his yardage totals have not been all that impressive, Cutler may begin to look his way more often between the 20s if he continues to produce in the red zone.

Michael Crabtree, SF, WR: Crabtree has yet to play a game, but he may become valuble quickly if he can learn and adapt to the NFL game on the fly.  The 49ers have been looking for a go-to wide receiver and they are hoping the rookie out of Texas Tech can be that guy.  While it may take some time, Crabtree may become a great waiver wire pick up before this season is over.  If you are in need of a wide receiver, this is your opportunity to become the one credited with making such a move.