There are few worse feelings than seeing one of your fantasy studs go down for a prolonged period of time with an early season injury. Just off the top of my head, jumping onto a bicycle without a seat and listening to Michael Bolton’s “Time, Love & Tenderness” may be the only more painful experiences than watching your season limp off the field. There is no guaranteed method to predicting injuries, however if fantasy owners follow trends and are aware of frequently hurt players, they can avoid selecting a potential medical disaster. Several prominent names are entering the season at less than 100% and many are coming off major injuries from the ’07 season. I will guide you through five big name players to keep an eye on because as enticing as their upsides may be, they are of no use to you on the sidelines.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins

Through seven weeks of the 2007 NFL season, Ronnie Brown was the most valuable fantasy running back in the league. In his four complete games last year, the Auburn product averaged 115 rushing and 70 receiving yards along with five total TDs. Now, less than a year removed from ACL surgery, his starting role appears to be in jeopardy. Brown has looked less than impressive in training camp and has totaled just six yards on five preseason carries while sustaining a minor thumb injury to add to his health concerns. All reports out of Dolphins camp indicate that Ricky Williams has been the most impressive player on the field and has turned the heads of coaches and more importantly Bill Parcells.