Before getting into the fantasy news from the NFL, it’s time to address you commissioners out there who may be finding owners starting to lose interest.

You know who we’re talking about — the owners who maybe have no wins or just one win this season and have nothing to play for.

You could just take the stern talking-to route and explain to those players that, when you sign up for the league, you are making a committment. There are no guarantees before the draft that you’re going to be in the playoff hunt; it’s your responsibility to try to field a competitive team every week.

That’s not necessarily the best way to approach it but, in some cases, it may work.

Perhaps a better idea is to include everybody in the playoffs. In a 12-team league, you could have your top four teams play for the championship, your middle four teams play for the consolation title and your bottom four teams play in the Toilet Bowl. A goofy traveling trophy for the consolation and toilet bowl winners might help keep interest a little higher.

Just a thought.

OK, here’s some injury news from the weekend that could have ramifications.

Tampa Bay running back Earnest Graham re-injured his ankle Sunday and is probably out for the rest of the season. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Warrick Dunn. Clifton Smith, B.J. Askew and, eventually Cadillac Williams, will also get some time in the backfield.

Running back Brandon Jacobs of the New York Giants tweaked his knee; the extent of the injury is not yet know. Derrick Ward is first in line if Jacobs can’t go and Ahmad Bradshaw is second.

In Chicago, quarterback Kyle Orton appeared to aggravate his ankle injury and did not play well at all Sunday. It’s best to keep him on your bench until he has a good game again.

Lets move on to some fantasy free agents who may be out there. A few guys to consider picking up are running backs Peyton Hillis of Denver, J.J. Arrington of Arizona, Pierre Thomas of New Orleans and the aforementioned Dunn.

Hillis scored twice Sunday and, for now, is the team’s No. 1 running back. Denver likes to use him near the goal line so that’s a plus.

Arrington has moved ahead of Edgerrin James in the pecking order and is stealing carries from Tim Hightower. At this point, Hightower is still the better option, but Arrington has some value as a back-up.

Thomas rushed for 88 yards and caught 4 passes for 56 more on Sunday. He found the end zone twice. His production will undoubtedly drop when Reggie Bush returns but, until then, he’s a viable fantasy player.

One receiver that might be worth taking a chance on is Justin Gage of Tennessee. He’s teased fantasy owners in previous years, but he’s coming off a good game and the Titans are desperate for a go-to wide receiver. Against Jacksonville Sunday he had four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns.