Fantasy Football 411: The Preseason Limps Into Action

John LorgeAug 12, 2009

We've played the Hall of Fame game, and now it's time for the rest of the NFL to get down and dirty.

Unfortunately, there are some players who will never see the game field in 2009 due to injuries. Others will miss the entire preseason.

Training camp has been especially hard on wide receivers, as the repetitions and battles with defensive backs has taken its toll.

Let's take a look at how the latest storylines could impact your fantasy football season.

Only Steve Smith Can Stop Steve Smith

The Panthers' star receiver is in jeopardy of missing the team's opener for a second year in a row, but this time it's due to injury.

Steve Smith, who initially thought he broke something in his shoulder, jammed it on the turf—continuing his history of shoulder injuries. I don't think the injury will stop Smith from playing. He's too tough and too competitive, but it could have a slight impact on his performance.

Don't downgrade Smith too much, but think twice before drafting him in the second round.

Braylon Edwards Healthy and Hungry

Braylon Edwards is a receiver, he's paid to catch the ball, so it's never good when his name is synonymous with drops. In fact, Edwards led the NFL with 16 drops last year. On the positive, 2009 is a contract year for Braylon. This means if he wants to get paid, he needs to catch the football.

He's been having successful practices in Cleveland this summer, and you can anticipate Edwards having a very good season, regardless of who's throwing him the ball.

Super Sleeper Donnie Avery Falls Back Asleep

In practice, Donnie Avery hurt his foot and he is supposed to miss up to six weeks, which could have him missing the first few games of the season. Not only will Avery miss time, but foot injuries need time and rest to fully recover, meaning this could stick with Avery all season.

The Rams will be looking to Keenan Burton, Ronald Curry, Nate Jones, and Laurent Robinson to take over for Avery. This makes all four potential sleeper picks, but nobody has risen as a clear No. 1 option.

As for Avery, you can downgrade his sleeper status from the middle to the later part of the draft—there is a chance he may even hit the waiver wire in some leagues.

Antonio Bryant Shipwrecked In Bucs Camp

Out with a torn meniscus, Antonio Bryant will miss the rest of Tampa Bay's camp and maybe more time. This doesn't look good for a team trying to find a new QB who was counting on Bryant to provide some stability.

With Joey Galloway in New England, Tampa will let Dexter Jackson, Michael Clayton, Joel Filani, Maurice Stovall, Sammie Stroughter, and Cortez Hankton battle it out.

From a fantasy perspective the injury may help new-Buc Kellen Winslow, who will now be the premier target in the receiving game.

The Bucs could be the worst team in football, which might have worked out well for Bryant. With this injury, there's no reason to reach on him, or really to draft him at all unless his injury is less significant than initially reported.

Star Defenders Stuck In Star Caps Case

You could make a Pro Bowl caliber defensive line of the four players suspended from Minnesota and New Orleans due to the Star Caps case.

The Saints will be without Charles Grant and Will Smith for the first four games of the season, making their defense a questionable play against Detroit, Philadelphia, Buffalo and the Jets. Yes, I said Detroit and Buffalo.

For Minnesota, there's still a pending court case that will decide whether Pat Williams and Kevin Williams can play or not. The players and team are hopeful, but you wish for the best and prepare for the worst.

The Vikings D is still draft worthy. This is a team that will be calling on that D to keep them in the NFL playoff hunt. You may want to reconsider reaching to draft them until a verdict has been reached, though.

A suspension would be welcome by Cleveland, Detroit, San Francisco, and Green Bay in those four weeks.

Philly D Looking Swiss Cheesed

First, the Eagles let captain Brian Dawkins go to the Broncos. There goes their heart.

With MLB Stewart Bradley out for the year, and defensive coordinator Jimmie Johnson coaching from the box in the sky, Philly seems to have severed their head. The Eagles received another scare when Trent Cole, who's recorded 21.5 sacks over the past two seasons, incurred a sprained left shoulder.

A month ago, the Eagles defense looked like they should be a top-five fantasy D. They get sacks, force turnovers, and hold their opponents. With all of the injuries and change, Philly's defense is being put into question. I still have them as a top 10 defense, but don't reach outside of the final few rounds to get them.