Injury Recap

Posted 7/16 by Mark Wimer, Exclusive to Footballguys.com

Professional football players are often injured during the course of an NFL season, and sometimes those injuries can linger to affect a player in the following season. The below is a review of the most significant injuries still affecting fantasy-relevant skill position players as we enter the 2008 training camps, with more recent injuries suffered during May/June minicamps also listed. For further details on the players listed below, check out their player pages here at Footballguys.com or run a search for the person in question on the Footballguys.com News Blogger.

Quarterbacks

Arizona's Matt Leinart missed most of 2007 due to a broken collarbone. He was reported in early May to be nearly 100% recovered and throwing well during minicamp. It appears Leinart will be back under center during 2008. As of the end of June, Leinart was said to be improving his understanding of the 2 minute drill and looks poised to return to the driver's seat for Arizona.

Arizona's Kurt Warner - who played with a torn ligament in his left elbow last year, still doesn't have a new deal with the Cardinals, though the team is said to be agreeable to working out an extension (Warner is in the last year of his old contract). The elbow doesn't seem to be an issue for either Warner or the Cardinals entering training camp. He has been fully participating in the OTAs during June and is expected to be 100% for training camp.

Atlanta's D.J. Shockley tore both his left ACL and MCL in the preseason last year, and has spent the last year rehabilitating his knee. He was medically cleared to participate in all football activities on May 28th, and is in the mix for QB 3 as of early July.

Carolina's Jake Delhomme is recovering from Tommy-John tendon surgery on his throwing arm (right) elbow. "It feels great," Delhomme said after a rehab session this in February. "Honestly, I feel absolutely great. I have no pain whatsoever.". He was reportedly doing well in light throwing drills during organized team activities during early May - Delhomme appears to be on the road to recovery. Coach Fox spoke of Delhomme's positive presence on the field on May 30th, saying "Having him back out there, his enthusiasm, is a joy to watch for sure." Delhomme is expected to be the starter this year from day 1 of training camp.

Chicago's Rex Grossman ended the season on the sidelines due to a sprained MCL in his left knee. He was re-signed to a one-year deal during February, so presumably Grossman's knee isn't an issue heading into the summer organized training activities. He is locked in a battle with Kyle Orton for the starting job as of early July. "I think right now it is highly competitive," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said on June 18th. "They both have done a great job doing what we ask them to do up to this point."

Dallas' Tony Romo finished the 2007 nursing a sore right (throwing hand) thumb that hampered his play in the playoff loss to the New York Giants back in January. The injury doesn't look like a problem heading into 2008.

Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers suffered from hamstring problems at the end of the 2007 season - the injury doesn't appear to be chronic but it is an item to keep an eye on during training camp this year. He is poised to be the Packers' starting QB as of early July, despite the ongoing Brett Favre drama.

Houston's Matt Schaub, who underwent surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder during the offseason, participated in drills during the team's May minicamp. Coach Kubiak commented "As for Matt, since we're in shorts, he'll be able to do everything. If we were in pads (hitting), I'd hold him out." The team expects Schaub to be ready for the regular season.

Indianapolis' Peyton Manning had a sudden arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee, the Colts revealed on July 14th. Manning had a a bursa sac removed from his left knee, after it started to lead to complications with infection. Manning "had been receiving conservative treatment for an inflamed bursa sac in consultation with the club's medical staff since February, 2008. This course of treatment was productive until Peyton experienced increased pain and early signs of infection." Colts' president Bill Polian said in the press conference. "The procedure was routine. The Colts' medical staff expects a full and complete return to action." Manning is expected to miss 4-6 weeks, which will cost him most, if not all, of training camp. Stay tuned...

New England's Tom Brady was hobbled by a high right ankle sprain during the Super Bowl, but Brady checked out fine in mid-March and hasn't had any troubles with the bothersome right ankle. He won't be restricted for the offseason workout programs or minicamps, which bodes well for Brady being 100% by training camp. He addressed the situation on June 10th, and responded to a direct question about whether his ankle was limiting him by stating "Not at all," he said, adding he will be ready for training camp in six weeks. "My body feels great. My leg feels great. My mind feels great. Yeah, I'm ready."

New York Jets rookie Erik Ainge was sporting a large cast on his right arm in May due to surgery on the little finger of his throwing hand, which was broken during Tennessee's spring camp in 2007. The Jets advised Ainge, a fifth round draft pick, it would be in his best interests to have the surgery sooner rather than later.

Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb indicated in early April that his surgically reconstructed knee is getting "much better" than it was during 2007 and he looks forward to being the starter in Philadelphia for 6 or 7 more years. He has been bothered by tendinitis in his right shoulder and missed the latter part of mid-June OTAs due to the problem, but a precautionary MRI indicated no structural damage.

San Francisco's Alex Smith had an offseason shoulder surgery, but was able to take part in the team's minicamp in early May. He should be ready to practice without restrictions in training camp this summer. Head coach Nolan expects Smith and Shaun Hill to split first-string snaps during the team's upcoming training camp. Each QB will also start one preseason game.

St. Louis' Trent Green has a history of serious concussions and would perhaps be forced to retire if he suffers another serious concussion this year.

St. Louis' Marc Bulger was banged up last year (ribs and then a concussion), but finished the season under center and is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

San Diego's Phillip Rivers is recovering from a torn ACL that he played through in the AFC Championship game. He expects to be 100% for the start of regular season, and the team seems confident that Rivers will be ready to go when the games start counting. He ran the first team offense in an early-June organized team activity - "He's just making great progress." head coach Norv Turner stated on June 2nd.

Tampa's Chris Simms is looking for a job with another organization - he's been recovering from an emergency spleen removal over the last 2 seasons and doesn't believe he's in the team's future plans. We'll see where he lands (if anywhere).

Washington's Jason Campbell - who has recovered from the dislocated left knee cap that derailed the final month of his 2007 campaign - strained his left hamstring during an early-May minicamp. practice. The injury isn't considered serious at this time, but keep an eye on Campbell's recovery - hamstring pulls can become chronic complaints if they don't respond well to treatments. On June 2nd, Campbell commented on the hamstring injury "I don't have any problems with (the hamstring). It's something that's behind me."

Washington's Colt Brennan had an offseason hip surgery that kept him out of OTAs this past spring. - he is expected to fully participate in training camp, according to head coach Jim Zorn when he was asked in mid-June.

Ex-49er QB Trent Dilfer has announced his retirement due to an offseason, non-football Achilles injury that tipped the scales to retirement.

Running Backs

Atlanta's Michael Turner underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason, and was limited during the team's first minicamp. He is expected to be 100% by the time training camp rolls around, and to be the featured RB for Atlanta this year.

Baltimore's Willis McGahee suffered fractured ribs late in the 2007 season, but is expected to be fine for training camp.

Buffalo's Marshawn Lynch had a lasik surgery on his eye during spring OTAs, but only missed a few practices before returning to action. He's good to go for training camp, and the team is talking about increasing his workload to include more 3rd down situations.

Carolina's Jonathan Stewart, who joined the team via the 13th pick overall in the draft, is recovering from a toe surgery performed by the Panther's team physician. He did not participate in the teams' first minicamp. on the field (though he was present for the activities) - presumably, the team is comfortable his rehab is going well or they wouldn't have used a first round selection to add Stewart to the team. On June 15th head coach John Fox stated "He's out of his boot and he's on schedule. He will be coming here shortly and will be doing rehab with our medical people and they are telling me he will be ready for July 25 (the start of training camp)."

Ex-Bear Cedric Benson suffered a broken leg late during the 2007 season, but is expected to be healthy for training camp season. He has off-field issues that may keep him from landing with a team, including 2 offseason DUI citations that led to his release from Chicago's squad.

Newly-signed Bear Kevin Jones is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee. There is talk that he could begin the season on the PUP list.

Cincinnati's Rudi Johnson was limited during 2007 by a nagging hamstring injury. He is adding weight during the offseason and plans to play more in a power-running style during 2008 - the team doesn't seem concerned about the hamstring heading into training camp.

Cincinnati's oft-injured Chris Perry (who missed all of 2007 with his latest injury, an ankle/shin complaint) is expected to (finally) practice with the team during training - we'll see if he has any pop left after missing 26 out of the last 32 games he was eligible to play in. The team has a crowded backfield with Kenny Watson, DeDe Dorsey, rookie free agent James Johnson, and starter Rudi Johnson also in the fold.

Cincinnati's Kenny Irons may start the season on the PUP list due to his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL in his knee.

Ex-Bronco Travis Henry battled rib and knee injuries during 2007 - he agreed to restructured contract in February but was released anyway, and recent reports are he has missed yet another league drug test due to marijuana use (making Henry subject to further league suspension).

Houston's Ahman Green was limited throughout 2007 due to a balky knee, injured in the first regular season game. He commented on the situation in December, after being placed on IR ""It's frustrating," Green said. "I tried my best rehabbing and running around. I know from practicing and watching film, I felt good, but it's not quite there. That's the frustrating part. And what it boils down to is not knowing what we're dealing with." In early March, Green stated "I just needed the rest. I never put it in my mind that once the offseason training starts that I will be rehabbing. I've already done that. I feel I'll be in the big group running and doing everything. When minicamp comes around, I'll be ready for that as well." The team has their fingers crossed that Green can play effectively during 2008. Coach Gary Kubiak commented on May 22nd, "He looks good. He's had a good offseason...I want to knock on something every time I say that.".

Kansas City's Larry Johnson, who was sidelined for much of the season due to a mysterious foot injury, is said to be fully recovered now. "You can't diagnose something and not know what it is. My foot was so swollen, no one knew what was going on. They thought it was a Lisfranc, they thought it was my heel, they thought it was my ankle," Johnson commented in January. What the injury turned out to be was a cracked bone in his fourth toe - which has since healed. On May 27th, Johnson fully participated in OTAs and stated "It felt good to come out here and still be able to come out and run. Body-wise, I'm 100 percent."

Miami's Ronnie Brown had right knee ACL surgery by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham after being injured Oct. 21st, 2007 (vs. New England). The timeframe for recovering from this surgery is 9-12 months, so Brown should be ready for regular season action, though that is not assured as of May, 2008. He's a guy to watch carefully during training camp - the Dolphins' head coach Tony Sparano said in April that he expected Brown and fellow RB Ricky Williams (torn pectoral muscle, surgically repaired November 2007) to be ready for training camp. As of July 2nd, Brown was reported to be optimistic that he will be cleared for contact by the time training camp opens, and back to 100% by the start of the regular season.

Minnesota's Adrian Peterson was slowed by a tweaked knee late in the 2007 season, but fully recovered and was the NFC's most valuable player in the Pro Bowl (he did wear a knee brace for that game as a precaution). He's ready to roll this year.

New Orleans' Deuce McAllister is recovering from a torn left ACL. McAllister reported in late March that the rehab was on track for participating in training camp and that he might be able to participate in the final, June mini camp. In early May, McAllister participated in a team weekend minicamp, running pass-routes at full speed. He said after the camp that he'd been cutting and planting for about three weeks and expected to participate in a limited capacity in the late May organized team activities. As of July 4th, McAllister was optimistic he'd be ready for the season opener, saying "I'm proud and pleased with (my progress)..."I don't know if there's really a 'next benchmark' to be met on my part. It's pretty much just getting out there and trying to make plays. That's what I'm looking forward to. As far as getting out there and doing something I haven't done already up to this point, that would just be playing the game."

New Orleans' Reggie Bush was sidelined by a torn PCL in his left knee from week 14-17 last season. The injury isn't a concern heading into the 2008 season - he appears to have healed fully through rest and recuperation. As of June 2nd, Bush was reported to be moving well in minicamp sessions.

Oakland's Justin Fargas missed the final games of 2007 due to a sprained MCL - he was re-signed to a contract extension during the offseason and is expected to be 100% for training camp.

Oakland's Michael Bush didn't play in 2007 while rehabbing a broken leg, but is now ready to battle for playing time with the Raiders. He participated in the teams' rookie minicamp this year after the NFL draft. On June 4th, he was noted for making numerous good catches during the team's OTAs.

Pittsburgh's Rashard Mendenhall came down with a hamstring injury after his first day of minicamp and did not practice during the second session. The team doesn't think this is going to be an ongoing issue, but it wasn't the best way to begin Mendenhall's NFL career. Keep an eye on Mendenhall during training camp to see if tender hamstrings are an chronic issue for him as this sort of injury can become a constant drag on performance.

Pittsburgh's Willie Parker suffered a broken right fibula, and underwent surgery to repair the break in late December 2007. The team expects him back at 100% for the 2008 regular season. As of late March, he was clocked with a 4.4 40-time, and as of April 22nd he said he was "If not 100 percent, I'm real close to it.".

San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson sat out of much of the AFC Championship game due to a sprained MCL - rest and time should take care of the injury, however. He's someone that all fantasy owners with #1 picks will be watching carefully during training camp to see how his knee responds when the pads go on and the hitting starts. Tomlinson indicated in April that he's 100% and added "We'll have to see how it goes. It may be good for me to play in one preseason game." On May 16th Tomlinson declared "I'm running and cutting and everything is good. I'm ready to go."

St. Louis' Steven Jackson, who struggled with nicks and dings during 2007, and who also was nursing a sore ankle and tweaked groin earlier this spring, is reportedly 100% healthy and ready to go for training camp as of July 9th. "I'm looking to have a great year and lengthen my career with St. Louis. Hopefully, I'll retire as a Ram."

Tampa Bay's Cadillac Williams continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury (torn patellar tendon), but his status for 2008 is not yet known. Ernest Graham is apparently in possession of the #1 slot on the team. Tampa Bay opens training camp soon and Williams is not ready for contact. As a result, Williams likely will begin this season on the physically unable to perform list (meaning he couldn't be activated until after week 6, if then).

Tennessee's LenDale White is working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus cartilage (an injury he played through in 2007) and was limited at the team's first minicamp. White is reported to be "rehabbing like crazy" - "We're just taking our time,'' he said in early May. "I am feeling good. We just don't want to blow it out.''

Washington's Clinton Portis suffered a strained hip flexor during an early May minicamp - the injury hasn't hampered him since, though. In mid June he commented "I feel much better. As much as I didn't want to be here [in the offseason], to go out there and be able to run downfield 100 yards and jog back and turn around and run 100 yards again [without being fatigued], it feels great."

Wide Receivers

Atlanta's Brian Finneran was not medically cleared to play in the April minicamp. after missing all of 2006 and 2007 due to 2 reconstructive surgeries on his left knee during the past 2 years. He did participate in June workouts, and stated after the activities concluded "I had to go through these whole OTAs healthy, which was my number one goal. I'll just look forward to training camp now." Speaking to the fact that few players reenter the league after 2 seasons off, Finneran stated: "It's rare that it happens. I think six guys have done it since 1994. It's tough to do."

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Jerheme Urban did not practice with the team during minicamp. activities in late April as the result of a sore right foot. There was no word on the exact nature or severity of the injury. The problem continued to hamper him during May workouts, and he missed the workout on May 20th due to the same problem.

Arizona's Anquan Boldin, who was slowed by a dislocated toe late in the 2007 season, avoided surgery on the digit as rest and time off the foot allowed the injury to heal naturally. Boldin is embroiled in a contract dispute with the team, though, and has skipped voluntary workouts as a result, so we haven't seen him performing much since the injury occurred.

Carolina's D.J. Hackett struggled with a high right ankle sprain throughout 2007 and aggravated the injury in January during the Seahawks' playoff run. He was signed by Carolina despite the ankle problem during the offseason, so the team evidently believes that the injury is a thing of the past. Hackett fully participated in the Panthers' May minicamp. He had some problems with a sore knee early in June, but returned to practices on June 4th after getting the swelling in the joint under control.

Chicago's Mark Bradley had his knee scoped in late May - speculation at the time indicated he might not be recovered from the procedure in time for the start of training camp.

Cincinnati's Chad Johnson had arthroscopic surgery on both ankles in mid-June. He is running and working on rehabbing the joints as of early July. "He feels a lot better than when he first had (the surgery), but we're not going to push it. The key is not to let him do too much too soon," said Charles Collins, who is helping coach the Bengals receivers this offseason. "He's got to build up his ankle first. Then the closer we get to camp, we'll let him time up some things in the last couple of workouts." Johnson is expected to be ready for training camp, but time will tell how quickly he recovers from the surgical procedures. Keep your eye on his status when training camp opens.

Cleveland's Joe Jurevicius is recovering from a staph infection in his knee that was contracted about 2 weeks after an offseason surgery to clean out the knee. He has had at least one additional procedure on the knee to treat the staph infection. The team has signed Donte Stallworth to be the team's #2 WR behind Braylon Edwards (Jurevicius requested to be demoted to #3 on the depth chart prior to Cleveland signing Stallworth, in order to save wear-and-tear on his aging knees, according to reports out of Cleveland). After a fourth surgery ("...a further clean out to help him in his recovery and control his symptoms.") on his knee in early July there were rumors swirling in Cleveland that Jurevicius was going to need yet another, additional procedure on the knee (perhaps microfracture surgery), but neither the team nor Jurevicius commented on the whispers. Jurevicius' status for 2008 is very dicey on the eve of training camp.

Dallas' Terry Glenn battled through knee pain/rehab from 2 right knee surgeries throughout the 2007 season, and was reported to be considering microfracture surgery on his right knee during January of 2008. He is believed to have postponed the surgery until after his retirement from the NFL - but it isn't a comforting sign for Glenn owners that he is still having pain issues in the knee, which limited his time on the field last year. Glenn and the Cowboys have been arguing about whether he'll sign an injury waiver before playing this season (Glenn is insisting MRIs show the knee is sound, while the team wants assurances they won't have to pay his entire contract if it gives out). The two sides are at an impasse as of mid-July. Glenn has missed all the voluntary OTAs during the argument, so we have no idea what he looks like on the field (regardless of whether the knee is 100% or not).

Denver's Brandon Marshall suffered a very serious forearm injury in March when he severed an artery, a vein and a nerve in his forearm along with tendons to five muscles. As of April the arm is doing well - "All we have to do now is wait for the artery to come around, but everything else is healing well." Marshall said in early April. He is expected to complete rehabbing the arm by June and the team hopes he'll be ready for training camp in July. There is also a pending DUI trial awaiting Marshall in June - which could be a concern regarding team or league suspension if he is found guilty. He was cleared to fully participate in team activities on June 28th, and stated at that time "I guess I'm a fast healer. I feel great. And if we had a game today, I'd be in it. I'm full-speed ahead now, leaving all that stuff behind me." As of July 11th coach Mike Shanahan has full faith in Marshall, stating "I feel very good where Brandon's at. I think he'll be fine.". Stay tuned...

Denver's Darrell Jackson has been saying that his injured toe (which has flared up in the past) is doing well this year. "The toe is feeling pretty good," Jackson said in late May. "I didn't have any problems with it last year, and this is just another year to give it a chance to rest and heal. It's all good to go."

Detroit's Roy Williams suffered a knee sprain on December 2nd and ended the year on the IR list as Detroit was out of playoff contention. He is expected to be just fine when training camp rolls around. Williams was practicing with the team in early June, and shrugged off concerns about his relationship with the Lions: "I see in the newspapers where the media is ripping me for missing flights, but that's all that happened," Williams said. "I'm not mad at the Detroit Lions. I'm not worried about my contract. They still owe me $5.8 million."

Detroit's Calvin Johnson suffered from ongoing issues with a back injury during 2007, but finished the season relatively healthy and playing in the starting lineup. He is expected to be ready for the start of training camp this year.

Detroit's Shaun McDonald is recovering from knee surgery, and did not take part in an early-May minicamp., but was on the field to observe. The team hopes he'll be ready to play when training camp rolls around.

Houston's Andre Johnson had an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee in mid-May, and missed a month of OTAs as a result. We'll see if he is in the lineup when the Texans open training camp in late July - he is supposed to be recovered by then.

Indianapolis' Marvin Harrison had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his right knee this January and has been rehabilitating the inflamed capsule in his left knee, injured during a September game vs. Denver last season. Harrison may not be ready for the start of training camp, but is expected to be able to play during regular season if his rehabilitation continues on schedule. GM Bill Polian commented in February on Harrison's status, saying "He's still going through some therapy, but they are much more sanguine about getting it under control. The short version is that all the news is good." However, a shooting that occurred in Philadelphia (with a gun owned by Harrison) has raised new off-field issues for Harrison. He hasn't been indicted as party to the crime, though, as of mid-July. On July 9th, head coach Tony Dungy was hopeful that Harrison would be ready for the start of regular season, though Harrison is just now beginning to run and his status for the start of training camp is up in the air. "Right before we closed out our OTAs he was there and he was running," Dungy said. "For the first time in a long time I saw a smile on his face because he was running pain free. So we feel good about where he's going to be physically opening up this year. Everything we've heard and communicated from the Philadelphia police department, he's not a suspect in what's going on there. So again, we feel pretty good about where he's going to be."

Jacksonville's Mike Walker, returning to action this year from a season-ending knee injury, has been solid during spring workouts, with no complications showing from his injury/surgery. "He had a couple of nice catches. As he builds himself into shape, he'll only get better. He caught the ball well, which I think he'll always do," wide receivers coach Todd Monken said of Walker on June 10th.

Jacksonville's Jerry Porter suffered a hamstring injury in late May, but it doesn't appear to be a major problem entering training camp. We'll see how his legs hold up in two-a-days, though.

Minnesota's Sidney Rice closed the 2007 season slowed by a high ankle sprain (right ankle). He should be good to go for training camp. He has added 8 pounds to his frame during the offseason and reportedly hasn't lost any speed as a result of the extra bulk.

Minnesota's Bobby Wade was scheduled for an undisclosed procedure on his sore knee during the offseason - there was no word on his expected timetable for recovery. He is in the Vikings' plans for playing the slot receiver role according to OC Darrell Bevell, so it appears that there are no pressing concerns about Wade.

New York Giants' Plaxico Burress struggled with ankle (torn ligaments in his right ankle suffered in week 2) and knee pain throughout the season and played through a separated shoulder (suffered in the NFC title game vs. Green Bay) and a sprained MCL in his left knee (incurred by slipping in the shower a few days before the Super Bowl) during the Super Bowl. Burress has a history of playing through pain - hopefully, with an offseason to recover he'll be ready to go for training camp. On July 7th he insisted that he is almost 100% healthy and excited about the 2008 season ""I'm close to 100 percent," Burress said. "The knee is 100 percent healthy. The shoulder is 100 percent healthy. The ankle is probably about 90 percent. I played on it so long with it hurt that's why it took so long to heal up. I'm looking forward to it being 100 percent in a few weeks. I'm excited to be playing when I'm 100 percent. I don't remember what it feels like to play pain-free." Burress is waiting on a contract extension from the Giants but is optimistic a new deal will be done soon.

New York Giants' David Tyree had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in Mid April and will be out of action at least until training camp begins in late July. He may begin the season on the physically unable to perform list. On June 10th, Tyree commented "Whether I'm on the roster, off the roster, the fifth receiver or the third receiver, they're going to make decisions based on what's best for the team," Tyree said. "My job is to go out there and make the plays when I'm given the opportunity. When you look back at what I've done when given the opportunity, I've showed up. I can't do any more than that."

New York Giants' Mario Manningham suffered a hip flexor during rookie camp workouts back in May - we'll see if the problem resurfaces as training camp progresses.

New York Jets' Laveranues Coles ended the 2007 on IR due to a left ankle injury that was aggravated in mid-December when he accidentally fell off a collapsible trainer's table after receiving treatment. The team guaranteed the final 2 years of his contract in March to the tune of $11 million - it appears the left ankle problem is a thing of the past.

New York Jets' Brad Smith struggled with an undisclosed injury during spring sessions, mostly spent riding a bike on the sidelines in late May. We'll see if the problem resurfaces during training camp.

Oakland's Javon Walker was beaten up during a robbery in Las Vegas during the offseason, and suffered a concussion, an orbital bone fracture (around the eye socket) and a broken jaw. He is expected to be ready for training camp, although his conditioning wasn't optimal even prior to the beating. He has also been working to rehab the knee injury that dogged him during 2007. He may not be 100% for the opening sessions, depending on how quickly he can return to training after recovering from his most recent injuries. Stay tuned.

Oakland's Ron Curry had left foot surgery in early May - he is expected to be just fine for training camp, but we'll have to see how the limb holds up to the pounding of two-a-days. He returned to practices in mid-June, saying "Regardless of who was here, I felt like I always been productive, whatever they ask me to do. And it's not going to change this year ...You know, Javon, he's going to be the guy, and I'm just going to be out there making the plays when they go to me."

San Diego's Eric Parker finished 2007 on IR due to a toe injury. He is expected to be ready for training camp in July if he doesn't have any setbacks in his recovery. On June 3rd, Parker was reportedly running and was close to being ready to participate in OTAs. However, the team is reportedly trying to trade him as of June 21st - rumors are that if he isn't traded, he'll be released prior to training camp.

Seattle's Deion Branch may be on IR during 2008 due to a torn left ACL that was surgically repaired in January. The earliest he might be expected back would be 9 months after the surgery (which is after the start of regular season) - Branch wouldn't be expected to be at 100% until after 12 months or more of rehab work with this sort of injury/surgery. "When you throw Branch's injury into the situation and Bobby's situation, our wide receiver group, I couldn't tell you how we're going to line up right now," said coach Holmgren in mid-June "I think the running backs and the wide receivers are talented, but it's the two positions I have the most questions about going into training camp. We're a little bit young, we're new here and those types of things."

St. Louis' Torry Holt suffered from knee problems during 2007 and relied on drainage and pain management techniques in order to play all 16 games. Coach Linehan commented on Holt in early March: "He's on our team, we want him on our team, and I hope he feels the same way."

Tampa Bay's Maurice Stovall is recovering from offseason elbow surgery - the team hopes he'll be ready for the start of training camp.

Tennessee's Roydell Williams is recovering from a broken right ankle/surgery to repair the break (suffered last January during the playoffs), and will not participate in the team's May organized team activities as he continues to recover from the injury. He also missed the June workouts, commenting on June 23rd "It has been really tough," Williams said. "I've had to sit and watch the guys at practice and I have to sit and watch guys run the new offense. So I have to learn the offense from on the sideline. And usually after the season I do a lot of speed work and I'll get a jump on conditioning. But I can't do any of that now, so I have a big challenge ahead." Williams' status for the start of training camp is up in the air as of mid-July.

Washington's Antwaan Randle El had a minor arthroscopic right knee surgery to remove bits of floating cartilage from his knee in early May. The team expected the knee to fully recover in 3-4 weeks and said at the time that Randle El should be ready for OTAs later in the summer, before training camp. As of June 13th, head coach Jim Zorn expected Randle El to be fully participating at the start of training camp. "It's coming along," Randle El said at that time. "I've been doing some jogging and a little sprinting, so it has been feeling better than what it had been [the first few weeks after the procedure], and that's a good sign. Would I rather be out there right now? No question about it, but we said we were going to be smart about it. We're going to take our time to make sure it's right for the season. That's the most important thing."

Tight Ends

Arizona's Leonard Pope ended the 2007 season on IR due to a dislocated right ankle suffered in early December - hopefully, he'll be back to 100% by the time training camp rolls around. He couldn't participate in the May minicamps as the ankle was still an issue during the spring sessions.

Atlanta's Martrez Milner ended the 2007 season on IR due to a November 2007 ankle injury - he is expected to be ready for the start of training camp this year.

Baltimore's Todd Heap was healthy and able to participate in May's minicamp., but his backups Dan Wilcox (recovering from toe surgery) and Quinn Sypniewski (knee injury) were both unavailable. The team hopes that Heap can stay healthy this year (something he couldn't do all last season - he tore his left hamstring during the season and couldn't get the injury healthy). Heading into training camp, Heap has managed to stay healthy and atop the depth chart.

Baltimore's Quinn Sypniewski will miss the entire 2008 season following a serious knee injury he suffered in minicamp, according to coach John Harbaugh. "It looks like now we're not going to have him back", Harbaugh said. "He had surgery. The ligament tore off the bone, and the piece of the bone that came off the ligament shattered, which made it a situation where it's going to be 6-9 months [to recover]."

Cleveland's Kellen Winslow had offseason knee and shoulder scopes after his Pro Bowl appearance - he should be fine for the start of training camp. In mid-June, he was participating in team drills, and sprinting long distances. "He's feeling better, so he's doing a little bit more," head coach Romeo Crennel said on June 12th.

Denver's Daniel Graham was hobbled by an ankle injury in late December, but he should be fine for training camp.

Denver's Tony Scheffler, who reinjured his troublesome left foot on May 19, said as of June 27th that he is fully recovered and is ready to hit the field for training camp on July 25. "It feels pretty good," Scheffler said. "It's back to normal, and I am doing everything with the rest of the team, looking forward to getting this behind me."

Detroit's Dan Campbell is currently recovering from a third surgery on his right elbow. He expects to be ready for camp, but the coaches will monitor his progress carefully. Campbell played in two games during 2007 before going on injured reserve.

Jacksonville's Marcedes Lewis started working with the team in early June - he was nursing a knee sprain during the May sessions, but appears to be over the problem heading into training camp.

New Orleans' Eric Johnson is hoping to be ready for training camp after nursing an injured ankle during the spring sessions: "It was an offseason injury which is something that is really frustrating," Johnson said in early June. "I'm just waiting for it to heal up. Just want to work through it, but there's not really much I can do about it right now. I should be ready for training. I'll have about a month to really go out there and run before training camp."

New England's Ben Watson underwent surgery on his left ankle during early March, a procedure that revealed cartilage damage and scar tissue, but the team refuses to give further details on the situation.

New York Giants' Jeremy Shockey is recovering from a broken leg suffered late in the '07 season, but is expected to be back in time for training camp. The Giants talked about trading him to New Orleans around the NFL Draft weekend, but ultimately the team decided to keep Shockey on the roster. However, there has been a lot of friction between Shockey and the team this past offseason - he's skipped all the events commemorating the Giants' Super Bowl victory.

Philadelphia's L.J. Smith struggled with various injuries (knee, groin and rib) throughout the 2007 season, but he was franchised and signed a 1-year, $4.5 million contract during the offseason The team expects him to be healthy for the start of training camp.

San Diego's Antonio Gates had left foot/big toe surgery in late February to repair an injury suffered during the 2007 playoffs. He is expected to be ready for the start of regular season, although he may miss part of training camp. "It's just determining when I'm going to be ready," Gates said in early May. "I know I'm going to be ready. It's just when." We'll have to wait and see how Gates looks in training camp before anyone has a good read on whether he'll be playing in September or not. Scott Chandler has been working with the first team extensively in Gate's absence, and is expected to continue to do so during the opening weeks of training camp.

Washington's Tyler Ecker is not expected to be ready for the start of training camp due to a mid-June groin surgery - he'll be out for at least 8 weeks, meaning he'll miss all of training camp.