Downing assisted on Kevin Nolan's 46th minute goal in West Ham's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa on Saturday.

Downing has had a disappointing season thus far after making the move from Liverpool to Upton Park. The Englishman likes to play a lot of crosses into the box, but doesn't end up on the scoresheet often enough to warrant much fantasy consideration.

Downing is expected to miss the next 10 weeks due to the Achilles injury he suffered during last Saturday's match against Liverpool, the Daily Mail reports.

This is a tough blow for the Hammers, who were banking of Downing being a part of keeping the club in the Premier League. Downing's injury came on a tough tackle from Jon Flanagan and the severity of the injury wasn't even known until he removed his sock at halftime, revealing a deep gash. 12 stitches were required to close the wound and now he'll likely not lace up his boots until March.

Downing needed stitches to his Achilles after a challenge from Jon Flanagan on Saturday and could be out of action until after Christmas, reports the Daily Mail.

Downing continued to play through the remainder of the first half, but was substituted at halftime. He went to the hospital to have the injury assessed, and received 12 stitches.

Downing, who suffered a knee injury at the end of August, has made nine Premier League appearances this season but has yet to record a goal or an assist.

Downing has been a little more active on the offensive end, taking eight shots over the last three matches, although he's never been much of a goal scorer, which reduces his fantasy value to mostly clean sheets in standard leagues. Of those, he has five on the year, with three of them resulting in scoreless draws for the Hammers.

Downing will miss up to three weeks after suffering a leg injury during a match against Stoke on August 31, the Daily Mail reports.

The injury is a bit hit to West Ham, who are also missing Joe Cole, Andy Carroll and Alou Diarra. Thankfully the injury isn't considered too serious, which means he could return by the first week of October.

Downing officially joined West Ham on Monday night in a £6 million move from Liverpool, the Daily Mail reports.

Downing was a disappointment at Liverpool after coming over from Aston Villa in a £20 million move two years ago. He joins fellow Liverpool castoff Andy Carroll (heel) in a revamped Hammers' front line. West Ham opens the Premier League season this Saturday against newly-promoted Cardiff City.

Downing is due to undergo a medical exam ahead of a move to West Ham on Monday, reports Sky Sports.