After a week of millions of fantasy owners focusing their combined hope on Donovan McNabb’s broken rib, he’s listed on the injury report as doubtful.  While this doesn’t guarantee he’ll miss the game it’s not a very good sign, and it means that if he does play he’ll be injured and not have the benefit of any practice.

What I’m saying is that the hope was for naught.  You’re going to have to bench him.

So what can a desperate person do to fill that giant void?  While many of you have a solid backup option, most probably don’t.  But fortunately there are some passable options out there.  Not good mind you, but passable.

Kevin Kolb/Jeff Garcia, PHI

One’s first instinct is to rely on the man replacing McNabb.  After all when you play a QB you’re also playing his o-line and receivers, and those won’t be changing.

Unfortunately it won’t be quite that simple.

Despite signing Jeff Garcia earlier in the week, a capable QB who knows the offense, he won’t be starting for McNabb.  For at least this week the #2 QB will be Kevin Kolb, with Garcia at #3.  This is not good news.  While Garcia would be a good play, Kolb is definitely someone to stay away from.  So this isn’t exactly a viable option.  Avoid them both for now.

Shaun Hill, SF

What’s that?  A Niners player other than Gore?  Yes, Hill is actually an adequate play.  His fantasy potential mirrors his real-life game: He won’t win the game for you, but he probably won’t lose it.  He put up a couple hundred yards and a TD against Arizona while the ground game was getting shut down and he’ll probably do a little better against Seattle’s weaker secondary.

Trent Edwards, BUF

It’s certainly not a lock he’s available in your league, but if he is grab him now.  Despite being on the Bills he’s got TO to throw to and a surprisingly good ground game to take the heat off.  Plus he posted two TDs against the Patriots.

Byron Leftwich, TB

Byron Leftwich, the immovable object, the man who got unceremoniously cut from the Jags despite being a first round pick, threw for 276 yards and a TD.  He was the 10th highest-scoring QB last week.

Yes, that Byron Leftwich.

Best of all he’s only taken in 15% of Yahoo leagues, so he’s probably available.  You could definitely do a lot worse in an emergency.

Kerry Collins, TEN

Grandpa Collins is going up against a Texans D that allowed the ninth-most passing yards last week, so expect him to put up decent numbers while shaking his walker at the defense and yelling at them to get off his lawn while wearing a bathrobe.  He won’t be the focus of the offense, that honor goes to those whippersnapper running backs, but he’ll do okay.