NFL: 12 Injuries With the Most Impact on How the Regular Season Unfolds

The one thing coaches fear the most during training camp and preseason is having their star player go down with a major injury. The burden is almost inevitable, though, and the injury bug is bound to hit a couple teams each year.

Here is a list of 12 of the biggest injuries of the offseason and how it will impact their respected teams.

Wes Welker, New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 02: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots carries the ball during training camp on August 2, 2010 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Obviously this was an injury suffered last season rather than during the preseason, but it just so happens to be one of the most-watched injuries of the preseason. As of three days ago Welker was saying he "doesn't feel the same" though he still plans on playing week one.

I mean, if Welker himself is saying he isn't 100 percent, then there's no way he's gonna be able to go out there and catch 10 passes for 150 yards and a score. This will certainly be an interesting situation in New England.

Donovan McNabb, Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 13: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass during the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FedEx Field on August 13, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Head coach Mike Shanahan is now saying that he expects McNabb to be able to start the season opener, but that doesn't mean we're just going to forget the fact that McNabb isn't feeling his normal self.

Yes, it's true, we're used to seeing a hurting McNabb. But there's no question it will leave a mark on this Skins offense this season and, personally, I don't think the Redskins have much on offense without McNabb under center. Keep an eye out in D.C.

Montario Hardesty, Cleveland Browns

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BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Montario Hardesty #31 of the Cleveland Browns catches a pass during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Hardesty, the Browns second round pick this season, has had his season end before it even began. Despite Hardesty's blown out knee, Cleveland's GM Tom Heckert has decided to stand by his pick and believes he will make a full recovery.

I wonder how much of an affect this will have on Cleveland's rebuilding process.

Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 26: Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos reacts after forcing a fumble by quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants leading to a Broncos recovery during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on November 26, 2009 in Denve

Denver's top defensive player, and last year's sack leader with 17, is out for the season with a chest injury. It's not only the Dumervil injury that will hurt Denver, but it's the injury to his replacement, Jarvis Moss, who could miss some time as well. Not to mention Lendale White, on the offensive side of the ball, who is expected to miss the entire season with an ankle injury.

Let's face it, Denver is in trouble this season and it all starts with the devastating Dumervil injury.

Byron Leftwich, Pittsburgh Steelers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 21: Byron Leftwich #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes against the New York Giants during their preseason game at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 21, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Ok, I admit it, this injury will have more of an impact on the first four weeks of the season rather than the entire season, but that's still a pretty solid impact. Getting off to a great start as opposed to a terrible start could play a role in the playoff hunt at the end of the season.

When Leftwich went down with a knee injury and it was announced that he could miss two to four weeks, the Steelers search for their starting quarterback for the first four weeks of the season (while Big Ben serves his suspension) abruptly ended, and Dixon was practically handed the starting role. Or so it seemed.

Although Dixon has earned the right to start, and appears to be the guy for head coach Mike Tomlin, veteran quarterback Charlie Batch has yet to be ruled out of the chase. The Leftwich injury surely shook up this QB battle.

Malcolm Kelly, Washington Redskins

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LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 21: Wide receiver Malcolm Kelly #12 of the Washington Redskins attempts to make a catch against the Dallas Cowboys at FedEx Field on December 27, 2009 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

The large, 6'4'' third year receiver landed on the injured reserve after re-aggravating his left hamstring last week. Kelly, one of the few weapons in the Skins' arsenal, was poised to break out this season with McNabb coming in to take over for Jason Campbell.

I was expecting Kelly to get quite a few looks in the red zone considering his size, but McNabb may have to rely on the unproven Devin Thomas a bit more now.

Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo Bills

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 02: Marshawn Lynch #23 of the Buffalo Bills runs for a short gain during the second quarter of the preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 2, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

There's no question that the Bills' backfield has taken some hits this preseason. Lynch finally returned to action in the team's preseason finale after suffering a sprained ankle in the opener, but Jackson is supposed to be taking it easy for the first few weeks of the regular season after injuring his hand.

Whether they both play week one or not, they are not going to be themselves from the start, which isn't exactly good news considering they will be traveling to Lambeau the second week of the season. Looks like rookie C.J. Spiller will have to step up.

Michael Bush, Oakland Raiders

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 21: Michael Bush #29 of the Oakland Raiders breaks away from Danieal Manning #38 of the Chicago Bears during a preseason game at Soldier Field on August 21, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

After showing some signs of brightness throughout his first two NFL seasons in Oakland, Bush will be sidelined for 4-6 weeks after suffering a broken thumb. Surgery is expected and it may be a lingering issue in the future.

Looks like if Al Davis doesn't want Darren McFadden to assume a heavier workload, then he will have to go out and sign a veteran via the free-agent wire.

Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens defends against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Still battling numerous injuries, Ballhawk Reed was placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list and will miss six weeks, possibly more. Much like Pittsburgh and Polamalu, the Baltimore Ravens' defense is no where near the same without Reed in the lineup.

With Domonique Foxworth out for the season with a torn ACL and Fabian Washington struggling to hold the corner spot, Baltimore's secondary will be taking some beatings without Reed.

Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 24: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings makes a reception against Randall Gay #20 of the New Orleans Saints during the NFC Championship Game at the Louisiana Superdome on January 24, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints w

After news came out that Sidney Rice was undergoing hip surgery and will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season, Minnesota's front office went out and signed two other receiversGreg Camarillo and deep threat Javon Walker. Walker was cut less than two weeks later.

Rice, Favre's favorite target in 2009, will be greatly missed in the Vikes' offense and may even end up missing more than just the six games.

Donte' Stallworth, Baltimore Ravens

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LANDOVER, MD - AUGUST 21: Donte' Stallworth #18 of the Baltimore Ravens fumbles the ball during the preseason game after being hit by DeAngelo Hall #23 and LaRon Landry #30 of the Washington Redskins at FedExField on August 21, 2010 in Landover, Maryland

Stallworth suffered a broken foot in Baltimore's preseason matchup with the Giants and will miss about two months of play. Stallworth wasn't one of the top targets in Baltimore's arsenal of receivers, but the injury was enough to persuade Baltimore to go out and sign veteran T.J. Houshmandzadeh after he was released by the Seahawks.

One door closes, another one opens.

Ben Tate, Houston Texans

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GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 14: Runningback Ben Tate #43 of the Houston Texans rushes the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during preseason NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 14, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texa

Just like Montario Hardesty in Cleveland, rookie running back Ben Tate's opening season ends before it even begins. In a preseason matchup with the Cardinals Tate broke his ankle after just two carries. Tate was carted off the field and it was later announced he will go on the IR and will undergo ankle surgery.

Between this major injury and the ailing Steve Slaton, who had a disappointing campaign last season, Houston went out and signed Derrick Ward for insurance to Arian Foster.

Other Injuries to Watch Out For

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DENVER - AUGUST 29: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-17. (Photo

Troy Polamalu: The chances of his knee injury carrying over to 2010 is highly unlikely after watching him in August, but anything can happen so watch out for it just in case.

Percy Harvin: Harvin's migraines aren't supposed to force him to miss much playing time, but considering he collapsed while watching practice because of them, it sounds much more serious than originally said.

Brian Urlacher: Urlacher's calf injury isn't supposed to be serious, either. Meaning he probably wont be sidelined by it, unless of course he re-aggravates it while in action. Urlacher, 32, missed all but one game last season from an unrelated injury but at the linebacker position this injury probably wont go away anytime soon.

Brett Favre: Favre's surgically repaired ankle is what forced him to wait so long to make a decision. Who knows if it will make it through all 16 regular season games.