Draft prep: Injury risks and bounce backs

Every year there are players who hurt your Fantasy team because of injuries. And there are also players who surprise you with their resiliency to bounce back.

Last year, due to injury, many Fantasy seasons were ruined when Ronnie Brown (knee), Larry Johnson (foot), Rudi Johnson (hamstring), Marvin Harrison (knee) and Andre Johnson went down. On the other hand, Fantasy owners thrived by taking a chance on Clinton Portis and Donovan McNabb, who returned from injury-plagued seasons in 2006 and played well in 2007.

While we can never predict injuries, we can warn you about players coming into the season who are banged up. There also are players with a history of getting hurt, which is why they carry the fragile label.

There are also players coming off injury who should rebound and play well. These players tend to slip in drafts, and it's the smart -- or lucky, in some cases -- owner who takes a chance on these players who benefits the most come season's end.

This year, you know about the injuries coming into the season with players like Peyton Manning (knee), Willis McGahee (knee) and Jerry Porter (hamstring) missing most or all of training camp. But here are other injury-risk players to concern yourself with and guys who will bounce back after injuries in 2007.

Injury risks

Ronnie Brown, Miami
Injury: Torn ACL
2008 outlook: Brown was on pace to finish as the No. 1 running back in all leagues last year before hurting his knee in Week 7. It usually takes most running backs 12-to-18 months to make a full recovery from a torn ACL, but Brown is back in less than 10 months. He's looked good in training camp but has run tentatively in two preseason games and is now dealing with a thumb injury. A good comparison for Brown is Edgerrin James, who tore his ACL in Week 6 in 2001. He returned the following year and only played in 14 games and finished with 989 rushing yards and two touchdowns and 61 catches for 354 yards and a touchdown. Not bad stats, but not as good as James was before getting hurt and two years after the injury.

Marc Bulger, St. Louis
Injury: Concussion
2008 outlook: Bulger only played in 12 games last year due to the lingering effects of a concussion. He is also battling a sore shoulder in training camp. Whenever quarterbacks start to deal with concussions, it's never a good thing -- remember Troy Aikman, Steve Young and Bulger's teammate, Trent Green? Bulger also has trouble along his offensive line, and his star running back, Steven Jackson, missed the first few weeks of training camp and may be a bit rusty to start the season. Bulger should still be drafted as a No. 1 Fantasy option, and he's never missed more than two games in back-to-back years. But don't expect Bulger to return as a Top 5 quarterback this year and be wary of minor injuries happening due to poor offensive line play and a lack of talent around him.

The toe injury suffered by Antonio Gates last season seems to be lingering into 2008. (US Presswire)

Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay
Injury: Shoulder, groin
2008 outlook: Galloway had shoulder surgery this offseason and is dealing with a groin injury that has limited him in training camp. The reason he makes this list is he's going to be 37 this year, and for a speedy receiver, age and injuries are a bad combination. Galloway has been durable in his time with the Bucs, playing at least 15 games the last three seasons. But be careful when you draft Galloway that he could miss some time this year. He remains a decent No. 3 receiver, but he could hurt you if you draft him too high and he ends up missing time with minor aches and pains.

Antonio Gates, San Diego
Injury: Dislocated toe
2008 outlook: Gates hurt his left big toe in the playoffs and played through the pain. He started training camp on the PUP list but has been cleared to practice. Still, he's not 100 percent to start the season, and that's a cause for concern. Hopefully the injury won't linger, but Gates is going to be drafted as a No. 1 option with a pick around Round 4. If he has to miss any time with the injury, that will hamper Fantasy owners. So far, it appears Gates will be OK, but he remains an injury risk because of the toe surgery.

Ryan Grant, Green Bay
Injury: Hamstring
2008 outlook: Grant makes this list because running backs who hold out concern me. Grant didn't take part in any team activities this offseason before signing his contract at the start of training camp. Now he's dealing with the hamstring injury, which could linger into the season. He was tremendous last year and could play well again. But the lack of work this offseason could lead to potential injury. Remember what happened to Larry Johnson last year? Grant should still be drafted as a No. 2 option, but let him fall to Round 3 in most 12-team leagues. Anything higher might be a risk at this point.

Ahman Green, Houston
Injury: Knee, groin
2008 outlook: Green only played in six games last year with the knee injury and then has been sidelined in training camp with a groin strain. Since he's 31 now and has dealt with knee problems in the past, this is a bad sign. Green had potential to return this year as a No. 3 Fantasy option. But his recent injury has lowered his value to a low-end No. 4 running back. The Texans brought in Chris Brown as a free agent and drafted Steve Slaton, which shows Houston has a problem with Green. You just can't count on Green at this stage of his career.

Todd Heap, Baltimore
Injury: Hamstring, calf
2008 outlook: Heap only played in six games last year due to a hamstring injury and has dealt with a calf strain during training camp. He has gone from an elite Fantasy option to a low-end No. 1 tight end this year. You can't count on Heap to remain healthy, and with the Ravens expected to struggle at quarterback (Kyle Boller, Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco are competing for the job), Heap might have a tough season. He's still worth drafting as a starting option, but Fantasy owners might get more value from other tight ends this year like Vernon Davis, Owen Daniels and Tony Scheffler.

Steven Jackson, St. Louis
Injury: Groin
2008 outlook: Jackson only played in 12 games last year because of the groin injury, and he had problems with his groin during offseason workouts. Now with his holdout this offseason, he remains an injury risk again because of the lack of work with the team during training camp. Last year, Larry Johnson was a hold out and wasn't the same runner when he returned before getting hurt. Hopefully that doesn't happen to Jackson, but the situation is similar coming into the year with the holdout and a banged up offensive line in front of him. Jackson remains a No. 1 pick, but he's fallen from the Top 5 at this point.

Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Injury: Knee
2008 outlook: Jacobs only played in 11 games last year because of a knee injury, and his running style and size could lead to injuries on a regular basis. Former Giants running back Joe Morris knows Jacobs, who is a beast at 6-foot-4, 264 pounds, needs to adjust his style. "He just has to run lower and take fewer hits," Morris said. Jacobs isn't going to shy from contact, so he could miss time again in 2008. Continue to draft Jacobs as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option, but make sure you take quality backups in case Jacobs misses time again.

Andre Johnson, Houston
Injury: Knee, groin
2008 outlook: Johnson only played in nine games last year because of a knee injury, which has also caused him problems during the offseason. When he got back on the field in training camp, Johnson hurt his groin. Johnson remains a No. 1 Fantasy option because of his talent, and last year he would have finished as the No. 2 receiver in all leagues behind Randy Moss if he stayed on the pace he started. But injuries will remain a concern with Johnson, so be careful if you draft him in the third round as the first receiver on your team.

Chad Johnson, Cincinnati
Injury: Ankle, shoulder
2008 outlook: Johnson has been as durable and consistent as they come with 16 games played, at least 87 catches, 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns the past five years. But on top of him coming into the year disgruntled because of his contract, he had surgery on his ankle. He came back from that and then hurt his shoulder in the second preseason game against Detroit. Let's just say this hasn't been a fun offseason for Johnson. He remains a starting Fantasy option because of his talent and should be fine for the start of the season, but this could be the first year we don't see Johnson make it through a full year.

Rudi Johnson, Cincinnati
Injury: Hamstring
2008 outlook: After three straight seasons of at least 1,300 rushing yards and exactly 12 touchdowns, Johnson broke down in 2007 and only played in 11 games with the hamstring problems. They have lingered into this year, and that's a scary thought. Johnson has the potential to be a No. 2 Fantasy option worth a pick in Round 3. But because of his injury and age (29 in October), he could be starting to break down. Let Johnson fall to you as a No. 3 running back around the end of Round 4 or beginning of Round 5. That's a safe spot for him now, and hopefully his hamstring problems will be gone.

Deuce McAllister, New Orleans
Injury: Torn ACL
2008 outlook: McAllister is trying to come back from his second major knee injury in three years. McAllister returned from his first knee injury in 2006 and rushed for 1,057 yards. He has the potential to still gain over 1,000 yards, but it will be hard to do. He's not a full-time runner any more with Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas and Aaron Stecker taking away playing time. But if McAllister is healthy, he could be a useful Fantasy reserve. That said, it's unknown if he can return at 100 percent, so be cautious when you're drafting him any higher than Round 7 or 8 in all leagues.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
Injury: Toe
2008 outlook: Stewart was hurt in college, and the toe injury has lingered into training camp. And Stewart and the Panthers are unsure if he will be 100 percent during the year, which is why DeAngelo Williams' stock has improved. The best option for Stewart is to become a goal-line back and score touchdowns, but even that might be difficult with the injury. It's still a good idea to draft Stewart as a No. 3 Fantasy option because of his potential, but his stock is falling along with his draft status. The earliest he should go at this point is Round 6.

Javon Walker, Oakland
Injury: Knee
2008 outlook: Forget about the incident in Las Vegas where he was punched in the eye and his apparent lack of motivation, which almost led to his abrupt retirement. Walker only played in eight games last year due to a knee injury, which has limited him twice in the past three years. He might never return to being a 1,000-yard receiver again or catching double digits in touchdowns, but if he stays healthy he could be a decent No. 4 Fantasy option. But his knees are fragile at this point, and that's a concern for all owners.

Injury bounce backs

Michael Bush, Oakland
Injury: Leg
2008 outlook: Bush missed his entire rookie season with a broken leg from college. He said he could have played last year, but the coaches were cautious. Now, Bush has the chance to be a goal line and short-yardage back for the Raiders. He is behind Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden on the depth chart, but Bush could be the one scoring touchdowns. He's worth taking with a late-round pick in all leagues.

Reggie Bush seems healthy to start the season, but will he be productive? (US Presswire)

Reggie Bush, New Orleans
Injury: Knee
2008 outlook: Bush missed the final four games last year with a knee injury and only played in 12 games. But he stayed in New Orleans this offseason for the first time and dedicated himself to being in shape and ready to go. He should get help in the running game with Deuce McAllister back along with Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas, which will open things up for Bush. Owners are going to shy away from Bush because he struggled last year and has a slight frame, but Bush will rebound with a solid year, worthy of being a No. 2 Fantasy running back.

Jason Campbell, Washington
Injury: Knee
2008 outlook: Campbell missed the final three games last year with a knee injury and had to watch backup Todd Collins lead the Redskins to the playoffs. But Campbell returns this year with a new offense and a chance to surprise Fantasy owners. He's going to be drafted as a No. 2 option, but don't be surprised if Campbell ends up starting for you some weeks. He has talented receivers in Chris Cooley and Santana Moss, and if Antwaan Randle El or rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly can step up, Campbell should shine.

Laveranues Coles, New York Jets
Injury: Concussion, ankle
2008 outlook: Coles missed four games last year because of injuries, but he could get a significant boost in value this year now that he's healthy and has a new quarterback. The addition of Brett Favre is the best news for Coles, but he also should be 100 percent for the start of the season. He has now gone from a low-end No. 3 Fantasy option to a starting receiver in most leagues. Favre should turn Coles into his New York version of Donald Driver, which means lots of passes in Coles' direction.

Alge Crumpler, Tennessee
Injury: Foot, knee
2008 outlook: Crumpler only played in 14 games last year due to injury, and he might not get back to his former self. He will be 31 this year and is going to a new team. Still, Crumpler is worth drafting as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option. The Titans will find a way to get Crumpler involved since he was the only offensive acquisition they brought in with previous experience and skill. He's worth a late-round pick after all the elite tight ends are gone, and hopefully Vince Young will get Crumpler involved in the offense.

Jake Delhomme, Carolina
Injury: Elbow
2008 outlook: Delhomme is trying to become the third quarterback in NFL history to return from Tommy John surgery along with Craig Erickson and Rob Johnson. So far, Delhomme's recovery has gone well, and he is on target to start the season. He has solid weapons in Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad, which will help Delhomme get back to Fantasy prominence. Even though he loses Smith for two games because of suspension, the rapport between the two should be fine. Delhomme will be drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy option, but he could play well enough to start for you toward the end of the year.

Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis
Injury: Knee
2008 outlook: Harrison was limited to five games last year with a knee injury, which has most owners doubting if he can return to prominence. Even though Harrison will be 36 this year, he still plays with an elite passer in Peyton Manning and won't see much double coverage because of Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark and Anthony Gonzalez. Harrison won't return to being a Top 5 Fantasy option, but he should still be drafted as a starter around Round 4 in all leagues.

Larry Johnson, Kansas City
Injury: Broken foot
2008 outlook: Johnson was a Top 5 pick last year but only played in eight games with a broken foot. He comes back this year with issues at quarterback and on his offensive line, but owners should be confident Johnson will return at 100 percent. He has looked good in training camp and is worth taking with a pick in the first round in all formats. He's not going to return to the Top 5, but a Top 10 finish is likely since Johnson will get yards, touchdowns and catches in this offense.

Matt Leinart, Arizona
Injury: Broken collarbone
2008 outlook: Leinart only played in five games last year before suffering a broken collarbone and has only played in 17 games in two years. He also has a paltry 13 touchdowns compared to 16 interceptions and has been outplayed by Kurt Warner. But the Cardinals are committed to Leinart, and the Cardinals offense has plenty of talent to help Leinart be successful. He will be drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy option but could start for you by the end of the year if he develops as expected.

Laurence Maroney, New England
Injury: Groin
2008 outlook: Maroney missed three games last year with a groin injury and was tentative running the ball to start 2007. But he came on strong at the end of the year and showed he was ready to go, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns in three playoff games. He should carry that over to this year, and Fantasy owners won't have to worry about an injury risk. Maroney is worth drafting as a No. 2 Fantasy option, and this will be his breakout year in his third season.

Willie Parker, Pittsburgh
Injury: Broken leg
2008 outlook: Parker broke his leg in the final game of the regular season, but all reports are he's fine to start this year. Even better, he might get goal-line carries again since first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall has struggled in training camp in that role. Parker has a lot to prove to Fantasy owners because he only scored two touchdowns last year. He will get plenty of yards, and he should find the end zone on a more regular basis no matter what role he's given. You can draft Parker as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy option with a pick around Round 4.

Philip Rivers, San Diego
Injury: Torn ACL
2008 outlook: Typically, a torn ACL is cause for concern the following season, especially since Rivers was hurt in the playoffs and had a short time to recover. But Rivers has come back strong in training camp, and Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb came back from similar knee injuries and played well. You can draft Rivers as a No. 2 Fantasy option, and he could be useful toward the end of the season. If Antonio Gates is healthy, along with LaDainian Tomlinson, Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson, then Rivers has tremendous talent around him.

Matt Schaub, Houston
Injury: Shoulder, concussion
2008 outlook: Schaub only played in 11 games last year due to the injuries and needed surgery on his left shoulder in the offseason. He is expected to be 100 percent and has played well in training camp. The key for Schaub is having a healthy Andre Johnson, and if the two can stay on the field for 16 games, Schaub should become a starting Fantasy option. Schaub should be drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy passer coming into the year with a pick in Round 9, but he has the potential to be an elite quarterback in 2008.

Jeremy Shockey, New Orleans
Injury: Broken leg
2008 outlook: Shockey missed the final two games of the regular season and the Super Bowl run for the Giants last year. He was then traded to the Saints, where he will be reunited with former offensive coordinator Sean Payton. Shockey suffered a freak accident and has only played less than 14 games once in his career in 2003. He is a No. 1 tight end worth a pick around Round 7 in all leagues. Shockey will love playing with Drew Brees and the rest of the Saints offense.

L.J. Smith, Philadelphia
Injury: Knee, groin
2008 outlook: Smith was limited to 10 games last year but was never at 100 percent even when he played. He could emerge as the Eagles best receiving option with Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown banged up and DeSean Jackson a rookie. Donovan McNabb likes to find Smith in the red zone, so Smith could be a good source of touchdowns. He should be drafted as a No. 2 Fantasy option, but he has the potential to start for you at several times during the season.

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