"injured" players

Steven Jackson, RB, Rams:  Jackson hasn't exactly been a durable player in recent seasons, so the fact that he's coming off back surgery is more than a little worrisome. While he does have a favorable schedule ahead, the fact that Jackson is coming off such a procedure and will cost owners a first-round pick makes him a major risk in drafts.
Fantasy diagnosis: I'm avoiding Jackson in the first round, even in a PPR league. There are just too many cons and not enough pros at this point.

Jamaal Charles, RB, new Chiefs jerseys: Charles underwent shoulder surgery during the offseason, but it wasn't considered a serious procedure. While he was held out of OTAs, Charles is fully expected to be ready for the start of training camp. Th addition of veteran running back Thomas Jones should be in no way seen as related to Charles' shoulder procedure, either.
Fantasy diagnosis: Charles, who is ranked No. 12 at his position on NFL.com, can be drafted with confidence in the first or second round on draft day.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: Williams had a minor clean-up procedure on his ankle during the winter and was able to participate in the Panthers' OTAs, so there's a low level of risk surrounding him on draft day. What's more, a recent report in the Charlotte Observer suggested that "all indications are" that Williams will be fully recovered in time for the start of camp.
Fantasy diagnosis: Williams' ankle shouldn't be a concern for fantasy owners. I still consider him to be a high second-round pick in drafts.

Brandon Marshall, WR, Dolphins: Marshall underwent his second hip surgery in a little over a year during the offseason, but the latest procedure was considered to be minor. In fact, the Miami Herald is reporting that Marshall is on track to be a full participant at the start of training camp. That's positive news for a fantasy player of his caliber.
Fantasy diagnosis: Marshall's hip should be of no concern on draft day. The bigger question is whether or not he can produce in Miami like he did in Denver.


Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings jerseys: Rice is still dealing with a nagging hip injury that he suffered during last season's playoffs, but reports suggest that the ailment isn't overly serious. What's more, Rice himself said that he'll be "ready to go" in time for training camp in a recent chat on NFL.com. He currently ranks 10th among wide receivers on NFL.com.
Fantasy diagnosis: Owners should watch how much work Rice is able to put in during camp. Regardless, I wouldn't let him fall past the fourth round.

Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: new Smith jerses fractured his left arm playing in a flag football game during the offseason, but reports have all been positive on his return to action. In fact, NFL insider Jason La Canfora reports the Panthers are "hopeful" that the veteran wide receiver will be back in time for the team's final preseason game against the Steelers (Sept. 2).
Fantasy diagnosis: Smith should be safe to draft as a No. 2 fantasy wide out, barring setbacks. He's currently ranked No. 15 at his position on NFL.com.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers: Stewart endured an Achilles procedure back in January that was designed to remove bone spurs and clean up the area around the tendon. He started to run again in June, and NFL insider Michael Lombardi says the Oregon product is "finally healthy, and will have a great year." Stewart is slated to share the workload with DeAngelo Williams.
Fantasy diagnosis: I still have Williams ahead of Stewart on my board, but there will be enough carries for the latter to produce nice fantasy totals in 2010.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: Brown missed a total of seven games last season due to a Lisfranc fracture in his foot. It was the second time in three years that he's been forced to miss significant time due to a major injury. Brown, who is in a contract year and will not hold out, is expected to be fine for training camp and the start of the regular season.
Fantasy diagnosis: Brown's proneness to injuries, not to mention the presence of Ricky Williams, makes him no more than a risk-reward No. 2 back.

Wes Welker jerseys, WR, Patriots: Welker's return from reconstructive knee surgery has been nothing short of miraculous. In fact, recent reports from the Boston area suggest that he'll be ready in time for training camp. Still, owners need to keep close tabs on his status and remember that he's still coming off a serious procedure that could affect his explosiveness.
Fantasy diagnosis: Barring setbacks, Welker's draft value is certainly back on the rise. I'd be targeting him in the early rounds, especially in PPR leagues.