NFL Preseason Week 1 Injury Report: What Should Fantasy Owners Know?

Chance are your fantasy football draft has already concluded or is about to commence.

And with the NFL's preseason in full force, keeping up to date on injuries is vital to success in virtual football. If your league has already drafted this will help you plan potential adjustments as the regular season nears.

If your league has yet to draft, allow this to help throw some caution into the wind. Because after all, a draft strategy is only useful when knowing who is and who is not a concern.

Arizona Cardinals: Have Sympathy for Larry Fitzgerald

Now having sympathy for Larry Fitzgerald doesn't mean draft him higher than expected.

It's just a friendly reminder that he is still one of the NFL's best receivers, and also to prevent us from getting overzealous about the Arizona Cardinals' offense.

Yes there's Michael Floyd as a great complement, however, Beanie Wells hasn't appeared in either of Arizona's two preseason games and according to Josh Weinfuss of the Cardinals' official website:

"

Beanie Wells will get carries in practice this week and then Whisenhunt will determine if he will play Friday. The coach said he ultimately would like to see Wells get a few looks against the Raiders but expects Wells to be play more against the Titans …

"

Wells had an inconsistent 2011 despite running for over 1,000 yards, but he has to buff out the rough spots in the preseason for a more consistently productive 2012.

The NFC West is becoming a defensively dominant division and if Wells doesn't improve, then we'll only see limited numbers from Fitzgerald. Arizona's quarterbacks aren't impressive enough to be a one-dimensional offense, so the Cards need balance to get the most out of No. 11.

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner Looks More Appealing

Michael Turner is the Atlanta Falcons' best ball-carrier and he remains a sound fantasy option.

One of his backups—Jason Snelling—remains out, per Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Snelling also didn't suit up for Atlanta's first preseason game and this only provides more potential carries for Turner this season.

Last year Snelling only received 44 rushing attempts and 33 receiving targets (22 receptions), but Turner is 30 years old. Therefore, it was reasonable to suspect less touches for Turner after the 2011 campaign.

Lest we forget about Jacquizz Rodgers, however, the Falcons will be needing Turner just as much if not more than a year ago. Rodgers isn't ready to be the No. 1 back and with Snelling on the fritz, Atlanta must revert back to Turner once again.

He's not a No. 1 fantasy back, but is still worthy of the No. 2 slot.

Baltimore Ravens: So Far so Good

The Baltimore Ravens' offense is back to being intact.

From Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun:

Torrey Smith on sprained ankle: 'I felt all right. Any time I'm walking, I'm not hurt.. It's a little nick. I'm fine.' Smith practiced today

— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) August 13, 2012 >

This is great news for anyone who already has Ray Rice or is looking to draft him. Smith is a major part of the Baltimore offense and his presence alone takes pressure away from Rice and Joe Flacco.

Flacco may not be the most appealing fantasy quarterback, but he becomes obviously more valuable with Smith out wide, as does Rice. And for the Ravens to be effective, their balanced attack can really put a defense on its heels.

Buffalo Bills: Nothing to Worry About

No significant injuries at the moment to the offense make the Buffalo Bills an impressive bunch.

According to Mark Gaughan of Buffalo News:

"

Receiver David Nelson, out the past week with a strained knee, was back in full action. ... Starting right tackle Erik Pears (hernia-groin) was back working in 11-on-11 drills and took part in 15 to 20 snaps. ... Center Eric Wood upped his workload, taking 15 to 20 snaps in team work.

"

Their potential has no limit for the 2012 season and that's where they need to remain durable. We saw through the first part of the 2011 season how well Buffalo could move the ball on the ground and through the air.

Once the injuries hit, however, they took a nosedive.

As long as the Bills remain in their current state, guys like Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick will be awesome fantasy selections.

Carolina Panthers: As Long as Cam Avoids the Sophomore Slump

No worries in Carolina.

Wide receivers Steve Smith and Louis Murphy were listed as probable last week before the Panthers' first preseason game against Miami, per ESPN. However, both saw limited action and that's all we can really ask for at this point.

The issue here is Cam Newton enjoying another career year for the Cats.

He has the potential with a healthy receiving corps, but that sophomore slump has greatly affected No. 1 overall selection Heisman Trophy winners before. Personally, I trust Cam will get it done because the Panthers finished 2011 on a strong note and the NFC South still has to prove it can play pass defense.

Chicago Bears: Michael Bush or Matt Forte?

He might be back, but running back Matt Forte didn't see the field in Chicago's preseason opener.

The defense, unfortunately, is the side of the ball dealing with the brunt of the injuries. Interestingly enough, this affects the offense because if this remains, then the Bears will have to outscore most opponents.

So do you go with Forte or Michael Bush?

Right now it's Bush, as he has just as much potential to be a complete back like Forte. He's been there through the offseason and Chicago's improved passing attack will lead to much more production than he saw in Oakland.

If Forte remains available, however, he's not a bad choice to bring off the bench provided that the Bears put him at No. 1 instead. Obviously whoever enters Week 1 as the starter is the better fantasy option, but Bush is the safe pick at the moment.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Law Firm's Health Is Crucial to Offense

Benjarvus Green-Ellis may not be the best fantasy back, but his presence in Cincinnati's offense is vital to everyone else's success.

This week, the law firm is out according to the Bengals' official Twitter feed:

"

Coach Lewis says Carlos Dunlap will be out about 4 weeks. Also BJGE will sit out this week's game at ATL.

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 12, 2012"

For as great as A.J. Green proved to be in 2011, his production will slow without an effective ground game.

The same also goes for Andy Dalton, because Cincy's balance from last year boded well throughout the season. As for fantasy, a presenting rushing attack only makes Green that much more dangerous and defenses more vulnerable to play-action.

With Green-Ellis out this week, be cautious when regarding the Bengals' offense.

Cleveland Browns: Don't Underestimate Trent the Truck

Fear not about Trent Richardson, because the Browns are just being careful with their future franchise running back.

In an article by Nate Ulrich of The Akron Beacon-Journal:

"

Trent Richardson has been rehabilitating at the Browns’ headquarters, [Pat] Shurmur said. Richardson had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee last Thursday.

“Trent’s here and he’s getting better,” Shurmur said. “When he’s ready, he’ll be out. But he’s here. He’s here all day long doing his thing trying to get healthy.”

"

If you want a solid No. 2 back, Richardson is a viable selection.

He'll go vastly under the radar just for playing in Cleveland and provides reliability at depth. No, he's not a No. 1 or No. 2 fantasy back yet, but the Browns will rely on him quite often and his overall ability will turn some heads.

Dallas Cowboys: Romo Will Get It Done Regardless

Have faith in Tony Romo because he's been able to play well despite his receivers not being healthy.

Ironically, this story remains the same for Big D in the preseason. According to Todd Archer and Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas:

"

Dez Bryant worked with the starters during Sunday's walk-through and will be a game-time decision for Monday night's preseason opener against the Oakland Raiders.

The Cowboys already are without wide receiver Miles Austin, who also has a hamstring strain.

Kevin Ogletree, who is subbing for Austin, and Dwayne Harris worked as the starting receivers to close Saturday's practice.

"

Romo went through that before in 2011 and came away with his best season ever. As long as he's healthy for the regular season, Romo is a nice fantasy quarterback. His receiving corps, however, not so much at the moment.

Denver Broncos: Still Early for Concerns in Mile High

The concern of Peyton Manning will only become evident once the regular season begins.

It was obvious that Manning would be shaky in his first action since the 2010 playoffs, but he'll get re-acclimated sooner than later. The ground game with rookie Ronnie Hillman, though, is worth noting.

According to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post:

"

Has struggled with a hamstring injury that has kept him on the sideline. They want him to be the No. 2, but he has to get healthy first to show he's ready.

"

If Hillman can't be the No. 2 guy in the regular season, more pressure will be on Manning to perform. That said, this is Manning and as the NFL's only four-time MVP we have every reason to believe the Denver offense will be fine.

On the bright side, Hillman's struggle to stay healthy makes veteran Willis McGahee a little more attractive for fantasy depth.

Detroit Lions: Kevin Smith Remains Viable No. 2/Flex Option

Detroit Lions' running back Kevin Smith has had a roller coaster-esque career in the motor city.

Fortunately he was able to play in Detroit's preseason opener after suffering from a quad injury earlier in the week, per Carlos Monarrez of The Detroit Free Press.

We know the Lions have two amazing fantasy options in Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford.

Smith is a great flex option, though, as long as he remains healthy. He's a dual-threat back who gets solid yards after the catch and can burst through any front seven. With Detroit's aerial assault, the ground game will hit another level in 2012, provided health stays intact.

Green Bay Packers: Deja Vu with Injuries Won't Affect Rodgers

Don't worry about Aaron Rodgers—he remains a top-notch fantasy quarterback.

The rest of Green Bay's offense, though, nowhere near as much. From the Packers' official Twitter account:

"

McCarthy: Starks - turf toe, is week to week. RB situation not healthy, and Alex Green on rep count. #Packers

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 12, 2012"

And not to mention receiver Greg Jennings, per Tom Silverstein of The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:

"

Jennings suffered the concussion during the intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 3 and hasn't been back on the practice field since. He has missed five practices and the exhibition opener against San Diego and is virtually guaranteed of not playing against Cleveland on Thursday night.

"

If anything, this makes newly signed running back Cedric Benson and receiver Jordy Nelson much more valuable.

Houston Texans: Be Wary of Andre Johnson

The good news is that Andre Johnson is expected to suit up this week.

According to Tania Ganguli of The Houston Chronicle:

"

"It’s Sunday, but yeah, he should play,” [Gary] Kubiak said of Johnson. “If everything goes according to schedule, he should play this week.”

In the Texans’ second preseason game, Kubiak plans to play the first team for a quarter and a half. Johnson won’t get quite that much time.

"

This seems to be an annual thing with Johnson now, but for his sake getting back to 100 percent would make Houston's offense unstoppable. No matter what though, Arian Foster's fantasy stock won't change considering his 2011 performance.

Johnson's could be on the upswing, but let's see how he looks through the expected brief action this week.

Indianapolis Colts: Patience with Luck as Offense Gets Some Bumps

Before we get all giddy about Andrew Luck's performance, it was against the St. Louis Rams in a preseason game.

Yes, it was certainly a fantastic start to a new era, but he has to keep it up without some offensive talent. According to the Associated Press via ESPN:

"

The Colts lost four players to injury. Linebacker Pat Angerer (foot), starting offensive guard Mike McGlynn (sprained ankle), linebacker Scott Lutrus (sprained knee), and Carter (ribs) all left the game early and did not return.

"

That's two key offensive players after one game.

Other than Luck there's not much fantasy value on the Colts right now, so we can't get too amped up about his first NFL contest. The good start does increase the value, but don't let the hype get in the way.

He's a rookie on one of the NFL's worst teams. In short, much proving remains to be seen.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Vitals Are Fine But...

Looking at the Jacksonville Jaguars' injury list, the team isn't in bad shape.

So the vitals are good, but that's about all you can say regarding the Jags. According to ESPN, running back Maurice Jones-Drew remains holding out:

"

Maurice Jones-Drew is no closer to returning to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the running back's holdout is expected to last until the end of the month, and potentially into September, a source familiar with the situation told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Thursday.

"

If MJD doesn't end up suiting up for the Jags in 2012 you can forget about anyone else in fantasy. This man is the main component of their potential success and without him the offense's effectiveness is significantly reduced.

Kansas City Chiefs: Don't Overvalue Jamaal Charles

Jamaal Charles is certainly one of the better backs in the pros.

We still, however, can't afford to overvalue him from his 2010 production. Having the 2011 season cut short from the beginning did allow for ample time to recover, but as he remains probable, per ESPN, we must remain aware of that injury.

The first preseason game was a decent success, with 23 total yards on four touches.

Charles is definitely worth the risk if you need a running back during the first few rounds, and Kansas City is a running team that can be quite effective when healthy. If you're too concerned with him then don't go through the stress of selecting him: Go with a safer option.

It would also be surprising to see him go in the first two or three rounds anyway, given that pro football has become so pass-happy. Not to mention if you play in a league that starts two quarterbacks and/or three receivers.

Miami Dolphins: Few Options to Consider

Now that Chad Ocho Cinco is out of the picture, per Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, the Miami Dolphins can get on with their other issues.

According to Ben Volin of the Palm Beach Post, receiver Brian Hartline "continues to sit out with a left calf injury." So the only targets Matt Moore has to rely on are Davone Bess, Legedu Naanee and rookies B.J. Cunningham, Jeff Fuller and Rishard Matthews.

Even if Moore plays decently well, his numbers won't propel him to a No. 2 fantasy quarterback. Only on a bye week would he be a viable option, simply because Miami's offense lacks overall talent.

Running back Reggie Bush is at best a flex player, considering the Dolphins' woes. Right now he's likely to be Moore's leading target but defenses will zero in on Bush all day long.

Minnesota Vikings: Approach Adrian Peterson with Caution

Minnesota Vikings' head coach Leslie Frazier hit the nail on the head. In an article by Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:

"

"I want to caution you," Frazier said after Peterson was taken off the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list on Sunday morning. "I know there are a lot of fans that are very optimistic and excited about seeing him back. But for us, it's just a part of the process. It doesn't mean a whole lot other than he's done a great job in his rehab up to this point.

"

Peterson's injury aside, the star running back would still come with red flags in fantasy solely because Minnesota still lacks talent.

Christian Ponder has potential and Percy Harvin is a reliable and versatile threat. Unfortunately, the Vikings are also in one of the NFL's toughest divisions. With a defense that has much proving to do, opponents will be looking to get ahead early and often.

Knowing that Minnesota lacks an explosive offense, defenses will zero in on Peterson and force the Vikings to throw. Now include his health status, and Peterson is to be carefully considered in fantasy for 2012.

New England Patriots: Too Many Weapons for Injuries to Have Any Effect

Much like Aaron Roders in Green Bay and Drew Brees in New Orleans, the New England Patriots' offense will be just dandy as long as Tom Brady is under center.

In better news, guard Logan Mankins has returned. According to the Associated Press via NBC 10 in Foxborough:

"

Mankins' presence Sunday was a welcome sight for quarterback Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots' offense, even if he participated only in light drills with no contact or pads and for only about half of the evening session.

"

Brady's production will come from pass protection, as is the same for any quarterback.

It doesn't matter who Brady's targets are, either, because the man knows how to dish the rock around as good as, if not better than, anyone in the league. Rob Gronkowski can expect another strong season while the receivers (other than Wes Welker) take a back seat.

New Orleans Saints: Brees Will Have to Do More with Less

As expected, the New Orleans Saints' season will rest of the right arm of Drew Brees.

For starters, left guard Andrew Tiller is anticipated to be out for the year. According to Larry Holder of the Times-Picayune:

"

Tiller underwent successful surgery on Friday to repair a torn triceps muscle, according to Tiller's agent Andy Simms.

Simms said Tiller (6-5, 326) should be fully healthy in 4-6 months and is expected to be placed on injured reserve.

"

Although he was a sixth-round selection, this hurts the Saints' offensive line for talent and depth. A byproduct of this transitions into more pressure on the ground game.

Well, not having nearly as effective of a ground game then affects the passing game. There, rookie receiver Nick Toon has been out but is fortunately expected back next week, per Holder's Twitter feed:

"

Vitt also said Nick Toon (foot) should be back early next week.

— Larry Holder (@Larry_Holder) August 13, 2012"

Everything regarding the Saints, though, revolves around Brees.

New York Giants: Big Blue Provides Great Options

Great news Giants fans, receiver Hakeem Nicks is back.

According to Bob Glauber of New York's Newsday:

"

Per @giants, Hakeem Nicks has passed his physical & is now on the active roster. Had been on PUP til now. SB champs get their No. 1 WR back.

— Bob Glauber (@BobGlauber) August 13, 2012"

So, Eli Manning now has his receiving duo of Nicks and Victor Cruz together again and Big Blue can feel quite optimistic.

Manning is a great No. 1 quarterback option and both Nicks and Cruz are solid picks at receiver. Even running back Ahmad Bradshaw will be a serviceable No. 2 back in this potent offense.

New York Jets: Tebowmania Is the Best Bet from Gang Green

You basically have your choice between Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow from the New York Jets.

Right now Gang Green's receiving corps isn't looking too intimidating. According to Rich Cimini of ESPN New York:

"

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes, who sustained a rib-cartilage injury nine days ago, won't play Saturday night against the New York Giants, according to coach Rex Ryan.

Without Holmes, the Jets' receiving corps is filled with inexperienced players. The top receivers are rookie Stephen Hill, slot receiver Jeremy Kerley (out with a slightly torn hamstring), Patrick Turner and former Oakland Raiders player Chaz Schilens, who is off to a slow start.

"

You could consider Shonn Greene at running back, but the Jets aren't much of a passing team even with Holmes lined up out wide. Sanchez has only seen minimal improvement through three seasons, so the most exciting player is certainly Tebow.

He offers the production of rushing and passing, although the latter isn't too appealing.

Oakland Raiders: McFadden Is Only Elite Option from Silver & Black

Darren McFadden is the only safe fantasy option from the Oakland Raiders.

That said, McFadden's production may not be as impressive as expected. He's the Raiders' lone threat on offense so defenses will be keying on him every play.

Not to mention center Samson Satele is gone and according to Eric Gilmore of CBS Sports on Friday:

"

Raiders TE Brandon Myers, who has the early edge in a wide-open battle for the starting job, suffered a shoulder injury midway through practice and went to the locker room to be examined. Minutes later, he left the practice facility with a trainer.

"

Myers is a great run-blocking tight end from Iowa and the Raiders need to control the line of scrimmage as much as possible for McFadden.

He remains a potential No. 1 option but Run DMC is a riskier take than at first glance.

Philadelphia Eagles: Don't Get All Caught Up in Offensive Talent

The Philadelphia Eagles went through this last season and it appears to have begun again in 2012.

Although Michael Vick was injured in Philly's first preseason game, he was expected to practice thereafter. In an article by ESPN's Dan Graziano:

"

Quarterback Michael Vick is planning to practice in spite of the thumb injury he suffered in Thursday night's preseason opener. But backup quarterback Mike Kafka is not, because he broke his left (non-throwing) hand in that game when a Steelers player stepped on it.

"

Preseason bumps and bruises certainly have struck in Philadelphia but after how slow the Eagles came out of the gates in 2011, take precautionary measures for fantasy in 2012.

Vick may also have to use his mobility more after the underachieving production of lineman Demetress Bell. According to Reuben Frank of CSN Philly:

"

It only took one game. Two drives. Six snaps. And Demetress Bell is out at left tackle.

It may only be temporary, but Bell -- the Eagles’ ballyhooed off-season emergency acquisition -- was demoted to second team left tackle at walk-through Saturday morning, with veteran King Dunlap taking his first-team practice reps.

"

Another slow start for the Eagles and we can't get all caught up in that preseason hype like 2011.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben Is Worthy of the No. 1 QB Spot

Ben Roethlisberger is the Pittsburgh Steelers' best hope in returning to the postseason.

As redundantly obvious as that sounds, the Steelers aren't going to have nearly as effective of a running game in 2012 and Big Ben's elusiveness will have to be even better. From Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"

Rookie offensive tackle Mike Adams says it will not be two weeks before he returns to practice. His right knee was sprained Thursday night. It has been diagnosed as a mild MCL sprain.

"I'm feeling good, in the training room, rehabbing. I'll get back as soon as I can."

"

Adams had a tough outing in his first NFL game and Max Starks remains out. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

"

Max Starks is accustomed to quick turnarounds and baptism by fire. He just isn't sure when the next round of such events will be.

All of a sudden, his return from surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament has become a bigger issue after rookie left tackle Mike Adams' rocky start in the Steelers' preseason opener.

"

The Steelers still have a reliable receiving corps intact, but the ground game will suffer. In turn, Big Ben is needed to produce more through the air and we know his mobility will pay dividends.

San Diego Chargers: Avoid the Bolts in the Backfield

Fortunately, Ryan Mathews is feeling optimistic after his clavicle injury.

In an article by Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune:

"

"I think I heal pretty fast," Mathews, 24, said. "I think I'll be good in time to play against the Raiders. ... I'm happy it happened now than against the Raiders. It's better that it happened now, just to get it out of the way. It gives me a few weeks to recover and get back at it."

"

Still, taking Mathews early in the draft is quite a gamble.

He is undoubtedly the Bolts' best option in the backfield, however, not worthy of a No. 1 ball-carrier at the moment. Now, all this could change before the Week 1 opener so don't feel sick if you already have Mathews on the roster.

San Diego's offense is the right system and he won't be seeing an overdose over carries throughout the season anyway. As long as Philip Rivers remains at the helm, Mathews is a strong option for fantasy.

San Francisco 49ers: Slight Drop in Defensive Value

The San Francisco 49ers are the expected best fantasy defense in 2012.

Unfortunately, the 'Niners' defensive value has taken a slight hit. According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:

"

Outside linebacker Aldon Smith sustained a hip bruise late in the first quarter of the 49ers' exhibition opener Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced.

"

For another perspective of the injury, Kyle Bonagura of CBS Sports tweeted:

"

Saw Aldon Smith walking with a limp and a cane when I arrived at #49ers facility.

— Kyle Bonagura (@KyleBonagura) August 13, 2012"

The good news is that San Francisco remains the NFL's best defense regardless. However, the fantasy value takes a slight step back in terms of Smith's injury. With time still remaining before Week 1, though, the 49ers' defense could climb back up the ranks.

Seattle Seahawks: Avoid the Offensive Hype

Neither Doug Baldwin or Sidney Rice participated in Seattle's preseason opener.

And according to the Seattle Times via ESPN, Baldwin's dealing with a hamstring and Rice has shoulder issues.

In addition, tight end Zach Miller has a mild concussion. From Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times:

"

Tight end Zach Miller suffered a concussion on the hit that followed his second catch of the game. Coach Pete Carroll noted that it didn't appear to be a severe concussion, but that it was a concussion, and Miller would follow the league protocol before he would return to practice.

"

Miller is easily one of the NFL's better tight ends and Marshawn Lynch can't have a great season without him. The quarterback situation remains unproven on the NFL landscape, so regardless of who starts none are backups in fantasy.

Baldwin is a solid No. 3 receiver, but other than him and Lynch the Seahawks don't offer much explosion.

St. Louis Rams: Still a Work in Progress

Unless the St. Louis Rams revert back to the "Greatest Show on Turf," only Steven Jackson is worth a selection in fantasy football.

Heading into the preseason opener against the Colts, Brandon Gibson and Danario Alexander didn't participate. And according to Nick Wagoner of the team's official website regarding practice beforehand:

"

Not participating because of the usual non-serious soft tissue injuries were WR Danario Alexander, WR Brandon Gibson, S Darian Stewart, CB Bradley Fletcher, RB Steven Jackson and LT Rodger Saffold.

"

So even Jackson sat out of practice and as expected, barely played in the game. Now Bradford did have a strong showing going 7-of-9, but this was against Indianapolis in the preseason.

St. Louis doesn't have any well-established threats other than Jackson and Bradford is at best a fantasy backup.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2012 Potential Is Quite Impressive

Tampa Bay is quite fortunate right now.

Other than starting left tackle Donald Penn—where head coach Greg Schiano feels optimistic—per Mark Cook of the Pewter Report, there are no serious injuries of note and the Buccaneers have attractive pieces in play for fantasy football.

Josh Freeman has No. 1 quarterback potential, Vincent Jackson remains a reliable receiver and rookie running back Doug Martin is a sleeper in the backfield.

Defensively the team still has much to prove, despite making excellent selections during the 2012 NFL draft. To that end, if you now have or end up selecting some of the Bucs' offensive players, consider it a wise move.

Tennessee Titans: Other Than Chris Johnson, No Top Fantasy Players

Chris Johnson is the only hope for the Titans in 2012 and Tennessee's only real fantasy option right now.

According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean:

"

Britt, who had arthroscopic surgery on both knees during the offseason, is on the Physically Unable to Perform list. He was back on the practice field on Wednesday going through rehab exercises with team trainers.

"

In better news, the Titans' head coach wants to get Britt some action before the preseason concludes. Per Terry McCormick of Titans Insider:

"

Munchak says he doesn't want to put Britt on in season PUP.

— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 13, 2012"

So if Britt is able to go sooner than later this season, he's a worthwhile consideration. Not quite a No. 1 receiver and no better than a No. 2 option, due to his injury concerns.

But if you need depth at receiver in fantasy, Britt can only help.

Washington Redskins: Nice Talent but Keep an Eye on the O-Line

Don't feel paranoid if you have Robert Griffin III. And if you're considering him, it's not a bad idea.

The man has great accuracy, an impressive arm and enough mobility to keep plays alive. Plus, Washington does provide the rookie with some nice combined talent at receiver and running back.

It's the offensive line that we must be wary of.

According to Stephen Whyno of the Washingtion Times:

"

With Jammal Brown still a question mark at right tackle, the Washington Redskins would love to at least have left tackle Trent Williams on the field. He was there for part of Monday's practice but didn't take part in team drills, still nursing a bruised left foot suffered when teammate Maurice Hurt got rolled up on him Thursday night at the Buffalo Bills.

"

At some point RG3 is going to need consistent pass protection, as will the ground game need running lanes. The NFC East, in addition, is loaded with excellent pass-rushers, so the Redskins won't always be able to rely on Griffin scrambling.

He'll put up okay fantasy numbers, just don't feel frustrated when the Heisman Trophy winner puts up disappointing numbers in terms of turnovers and yards passing. Washington's offensive has a lot of work to do in facing the NFL's best pass-rushing division.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter.