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Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

This is the eighth in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We finish this series by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the NFC West.

Team: ARIZONA CARDINALS

Player, position, injury:Matt Leinart, QB, broken left collarbone.

Rehab status: Leinart is participating fully in offseason workouts and practices after missing most of last season. The Cardinals have been pleased with Leinart's approach to rehab (party photos notwithstanding). Leinart spent much of last season providing scouting reports to coaches based on what he gleaned from watching opponents on video. Coach Ken Whisenhunt has praised Leinart for putting in extra work at the facility this offseason.

Next step: Leinert hasn't taken a hit since Rams linebacker Will Witherspoon inflicted the injury while sacking the quarterback during an Oct. 7 game in St. Louis. Teams make their quarterbacks off-limits to contact during offseason workouts, so Leinart probably won't get that first hit out of the way until the exhibition season.

Fantasy spin: Leinart is healthy, for now, and he has worked with the first-team offense in organized team activities. The larger question is whether the Heisman winner can stay healthy. If he can, he has the keys to a slick passing game, highlighted by Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. If he can't, Kurt Warner is chomping at the bit. Remember, too, that even before Leinart broke his collarbone in '07, he and Warner were sometimes splitting playing time in the same game. When it comes to the Cardinals' quarterback situation in '08, we expect some kind of time-share.

Team: ST. LOUIS RAMS

Player, position, injury: Orlando Pace, LT, torn labrum and rotator cuff in left shoulder.

Rehab status: Pace is continuing his rehabilitation in the weight room and training room, but not on the field. The Rams are holding him out of minicamp practices. Pace should be well-rested after missing the final 15 games following his injury last season.

Next step: The team expects Pace to be ready for the first training-camp practice July 25. Pace has missed most of the last two seasons. His injuries were unrelated, giving the Rams hope that he'll bounce back without incident in 2008.

Fantasy spin: Pace is only 32 years old, and is reportedly in "svelte" shape this summer. Provided he's ready to go by training camp, he'll add fantasy value to all the Rams' skill players, including Marc Bulger (whose blind side he'll protect), Steven Jackson and Torry Holt. Without Pace (and several other offensive line members) for most of '07, the Rams allowed 48 sacks, sixth-most in the NFL. If Pace, Richie Incognito and Mark Setterstrom all get healthy, the Rams could be a huge offensive turnaround story in '08.

Team: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Player, position, injury: Alex Smith, QB, separated throwing shoulder.

Rehab status: Smith began throwing on a limited basis earlier this offseason. He has progressed while participating in minicamp practices with virtually no limitations. The 49ers have talked about limiting Smith's deep passes to protect the shoulder, but Smith has been able to throw long.

Next step: Smith, who underwent surgery in December, is the favorite to win the starting job. The team could limit his deep throws at training camp, but only as a precaution.

Fantasy spin: Smith might be recovering from shoulder surgery, but his competition, Shaun Hill, had offseason hand surgery. Whoever earns the starting job in a Mike Martz offense has the potential to enjoy a breakout season statistically, so this is one of the summer's key positional battles. However, we worry that the Niners' offensive line won't withstand Martz's play calling, and that these quarterbacks will get crunched. As in Arizona, a time-share feels likely here, though if one of these guys plays 16 games, the sky is the fantasy limit.

Team: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Player, position, injury: Deion Branch, WR, torn anterior-cruciate ligament in left knee.

Rehab status: Branch remains in the middle stages of rehabilitation after suffering the injury during a playoff game. The injury's timing will prevent Branch from joining his teammates on the field for offseason practices. That almost certainly includes training camp.

Next step: Branch will likely remain in the background until sometime in September. The Seahawks expect him to play this season, but they aren't sure exactly when. Players coming off ACL injuries often aren't right until the second season following the injury. Branch's long-term prognosis is good. Teammate Bobby Engram remained effective after undergoing ACL surgery while with the Bears years ago.

Fantasy spin: We'll be surprised if Branch is ready to go by Week 1. He seems more likely to be on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the first six weeks of the regular season. If he makes good progress between now and then, though, Branch could be an intriguing fantasy sleeper, because many of your league mates will have forgotten about him. Take him in the last round of a deep draft, stash him away, and hope. In his absence, Bobby Engram will be the Seahawks' No. 1 receiver, with Nate Burleson on the other side and guys like Logan Payne, Ben Obomanu and Courtney Taylor competing for playing time.

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

This is the seventh in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We continue by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the NFC East.

Team: DALLAS COWBOYS

Player, position, injury: Terry Glenn, WR, eventually needs microfracture surgery on right knee.

Rehab status: Teammates report that Glenn has been seen running and making cuts with no problem. But the Cowboys are holding him out of organized team activities because a season-ending injury would guarantee him his full salary of $1.7 million. The Cowboys want Glenn to sign an agreement that would cut his payout to $500,000 if he re-injures the same right knee.

Next step: Right now, Glenn is basically locked out of Valley Ranch. The logical next step is for he and the Cowboys to find some common ground. He might be willing to sign an agreement for somewhere in the $1 million range. If the sides reach an understanding, Glenn would be penciled in as the No. 2 wide receiver.

Fantasy spin: Draft Terry Glenn as a deep, deep sleeper for your fantasy team, but be very wary of making him one of your starting receivers. Granted, if his knees hold up, Glenn becomes an intriguing deep threat for one of the league's most explosive offenses. But it seems more likely that he'll struggle with injuries again, in which case Patrick Crayton will resume the starting role he inherited all last season. Crayton probably isn't an every-week fantasy starter, either, but he's certainly a safer pick than Glenn.

Team: NEW YORK GIANTS

Player, position, injury: Jeremy Shockey, TE, broken left leg.

Rehab status: Shockey is reportedly working out in sand pits in Miami to strengthen his legs. Several teammates have attempted to reach out to him, but he's apparently not returning calls.

Next step: The former Pro Bowl tight end is due at Giants Stadium for a mandatory minicamp June 11. GM Jerry Reese told me two weeks ago that he's talked to Shockey during the offseason and wants him to be a major part of the team. The development of 2007 rookie Kevin Boss has given the Giants some recourse if they decide to trade Shockey, but that scenario is unlikely at this point.

Fantasy spin: Provided he's healthy, Shockey seems like a better and better bet to begin the year as the Giants' starting tight end, a prospect which didn't seem like a sure thing just a month ago (when New Orleans was kicking the tires on a trade). He's always among the top 10 in red-zone targets, and '08 shouldn't be an exception. If Shockey can't get healthy or if the Giants do wind up trading him, Kevin Boss becomes an attractive fantasy replacement.

Team: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Player, position, injury: L.J. Smith, TE, sports hernia (groin).

Rehab status: Smith is 100 percent ready to go, according to the Eagles. He's been working out with Russian kettlebells this offseason. What's a kettlebell, you ask? It's a cast-iron weight that resembles a cannonball with a handle. Working out with them helps with all-around fitness, and from all accounts, the kettlebells have Smith in the best shape of his life.

Next step: Even when he played last season, Smith wasn't himself. He should give the Eagles a much-needed red zone threat. The injury shouldn't limit him in upcoming workouts with the team.

Fantasy spin: If Smith is healthy, the Eagles will use him in the red zone. In 2006, he got 18 targets inside opponents' 20, third among all tight ends. Donovan McNabb is comfortable with him. Last year's injuries weigh heavily on fantasy owners' minds, and Brent Celek has good potential as the Eagles' second-stringer. You probably can't draft Smith to be your starting fantasy tight end, though a return to health could mean more touchdowns.

Team: WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Player, positon, injury: Jason Campbell, QB, dislocated left patella.

Rehab status: Campbell came back strong in the Redskins' recent minicamp, but then he suffered a mild hamstring injury in the subsequent organized team activities. New head coach Jim Zorn doesn't expect the hamstring injury to be a lingering problem because he says Campbell doesn't have a history of those types of strains. Some Redskins might recall a rash of strains in the defensive backfield and on the offensive line late last season, an issue owner Daniel Snyder raised when speaking with prospective coaches.

Next step: Zorn has Campbell working hard to bend his knees and stay low while dropping back. It's still a bit awkward for Campbell and might have led to the hamstring pull. Campbell will be the unquestioned starter, but he might not have much margin for error following Todd Collins' impressive performance last season.

Fantasy spin: Provided Campbell gets right in time for camp, he's a No. 2 fantasy quarterback with the intriguing upside that comes from a guy with a big arm. Unfortunately, he's learning his eighth offense in nine years, and Zorn is installing a run-heavy version of the West Coast offense, which might not show off Campbell's strong arm. If Campbell continues to suffer leg injuries, Collins becomes the starter, though he's never played in a West Coast offense, either.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

This is the sixth in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We continue by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the NFC North.

Team: Chicago Bears

Player, position, injury: Brian Urlacher, middle linebacker, neck injury.

Rehab status: Although Urlacher had offseason neck surgery, his status appears to be affected more by his contract situation than his injury. Urlacher says he's healthy and deserving of a new deal, while the Bears are taking a wait-and-see approach.

Next step: Stud defensive tackle Tommie Harris will become an unrestricted free agent in 2009, and the Bears will have to ante up a large sum to keep him. Spending more money on Urlacher when he's already under contract might not be appealing for Chicago.

Fantasy spin: We have the Bears' defense and special teams rated No. 6 in our preseason fantasy rankings, and while that's at least partly because of Devin Hester's return game, it's also because Urlacher is one heck of a defensive anchor. If he follows through on his threats to sit out because of his contract, or if his back and neck continue to trouble him, Rod Wilson would be Chicago's middle linebacker, which isn't nearly as attractive. In that case, we'd consider bumping the Bears down at least a couple spots.

Team: Detroit Lions

Player, position, injury: Ernie Sims, linebacker, nagging right shoulder issues.

Rehab status: Sims reportedly played much of the season with a bad shoulder and waited until after the season to have surgery. He did not participate in veteran minicamp, but the Lions said they were resting him only as a precaution.

Next step: Sims is expected to return for training camp. He will be an important cog in a defense that gave up 444 points in 2007, the most in the league.

Fantasy spin: The Lions' defense isn't much of a fantasy option at this point, but Sims is a fantastic draftee in IDP (individual defensive player) leagues if he's healthy. Last year, he was fourth in the NFL in tackles (and seventh in solo tackles), after being 13th in '06. Expect him to be a top-10 IDP player in '08 if he's healthy.

Team: Green Bay Packers

Player, position, injury: Justin Harrell, defensive tackle, disc injury in back.

Rehab status: Harrell, a first-round pick is 2007, is expected to return by training camp after reportedly injuring his back lifting weights. But this is the second year in a row he is sitting out the spring because of injuries.

Next step: Green Bay wants Harrell to play a much bigger role this season as long as he stays healthy. At this point, all Harrell can do is rehab and hope to make an impression on the Packers' coaching staff in training camp.

Fantasy spin: Harrell struggled as a rookie and the '07 first-rounder isn't guaranteed even the Packers' third defensive tackle gig, behind Johnny Jolly and Ryan Pickett. He'll compete with Colin Cole and Daniel Muir for that job. The Packers are our fourth-rated fantasy defense going into this summer, and that probably doesn't change if Harrell cannot go.

Team: Minnesota Vikings

Player, position, injury: Antoine Winfield, cornerback, torn pectoral muscle.

Rehab status: Winfield, 30, had pectoral surgery in January and also missed four games last year due to a hamstring injury. Minnesota has high hopes as a team and defensively this year with Winfield's return and the additions of defensive end Jared Allen and safety Madieu Williams.

Next step: The Vikings are being careful with Winfield because pectoral injuries can be susceptible to re-injury. Taking the time to rebuild strength in the muscle greatly reduces the chances of another injury. Winfield is participating in organized team activities in a limited fashion. He expects to participate fully in training camp. "It will be six months (after the surgery), and by then I should have my strength back and be completely 100 percent," he said.

Fantasy spin: Winfield became much less of an IDP force in '07 after a strong '06. His tackles decreased from 97 to 70 and his interceptions went from four to one. Teams picked more on Winfield's opposite, Cedric Griffin, who had 92 tackles and one more pass defended than Winfield last season. Griffin probably belongs higher on your IDP cheat sheet for '08.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

This is the fifth in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We begin today by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the NFC South.

Team: ATLANTA FALCONS

Player, position, injury: Todd Weiner, offensive tackle, knee surgery

Rehab status: The Falcons are fortunate in that they don't have any huge injury issues. The team has been quiet about what exactly was wrong with Weiner's knee, but he did have it surgically repaired. He has been unable to take part in any organized team activities as he finishes rehab. But that process is almost over.

Next step: Weiner is expected to be ready for the start of training camp and he should be the starting right tackle. The team thinks Weiner's experience and the athleticism of rookie left tackle Sam Baker can give the Falcons a pair of solid tackles.

Fantasy spin: None

Team: CAROLINA PANTHERS

Player, position, injury: Jake Delhomme, QB, Tommy John surgery on right elbow

Rehab status: The team has always shied away from placing a public timetable on Delhomme's recovery, but all indications suggest he should be ready for the start of training camp. After months of inactivity -- the surgery came soon after Delhomme blew out his elbow in Week 3 last season -- Delhomme began throwing with a Nerf ball in February. He has made steady progress.

Next step: Delhomme was throwing during the team session when the Panthers began organized team activities Wednesday. Delhomme has regained most of his arm strength, but he will likely get some days off over the next few weeks. The goal is to have Delhomme at full strength and rested for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Spin: No star quarterback has ever undergone Tommy John surgery, so we're in uncharted waters, but assuming he's healthy, Delhomme borders on fantasy starterhood. He has Steve Smith, D.J. Hackett and Muhsin Muhammad for targets, and Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams in the backfield. If Delhomme suffers a setback, Matt Moore figures to inherit the starting job. He was the offensive rookie of the month last December. Still, he wouldn't be an enticing fantasy entity.

Team: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Player, position, injury: Deuce McAllister, RB, torn ACL.

Rehab status: McAllister, who has been through a similar rehab in the past, has said he's coming along well. He has participated in some individual drills in a recent minicamp and that's encouraging. But rumblings about the Saints bringing in another veteran running back could be a sign the team has some doubts McAllister can be as effective as he was before the injury.

Next step: There's little doubt Reggie Bush will have to take on a bigger role this year. McAllister still could be a big factor in this offense if he uses training camp to show he still has some speed and can make cuts.

Fantasy Spin: Because of Bush's unique skill set, the Saints' backfield is almost a lock to be some kind of platoon. If McAllister is back and healthy, he becomes the bruising complement to Bush's outside rushing and pass catching. If Deuce can't go or gets hurt again, expect Pierre Thomas to assume some of that role, although Bush would probably see more inside (and overall) action as a result. Remember that '07 fantasy-playoff hero Aaron Stecker is still around, too.

Team: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Player, position, injury: Cadillac Williams, RB, torn patellar tendon.

Rehab status: Williams had surgery in October, but this is the kind of injury that can end a career. The rehab is tedious. Williams is able to jog lightly and he has been running stadium stairs. He's also been running in a pool and pushing a blocking sled, but doing any running that involves cutting appears to be a long way off.

Next step: Williams and the Bucs continue to hold out hope he'll play this year, but that may not be realistic. Williams isn't likely to be ready for training camp or the start of the season. A best-case scenario might have him returning sometime around midseason, but the team might be wise to focus on having Williams at 100 percent for 2009. The Bucs have signed veteran Warrick Dunn as an insurance policy.

Fantasy Spin: If Cadillac Williams comes back, it'll have to be as a platoon guy, and as such his value would be very limited. It's far more likely that Williams sits out all of '08, which clears the way for Earnest Graham to resume his starting duties, with Dunn covering third downs and Michael Bennett in the background. Graham looks like the best bet for touchdowns, but his backfield mates could leech enough of his value to frustrate fantasy owners.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

We'll roll out the division-by-division key injury updates for the NFC shortly. Those looking for the AFC reports can find them here: East, West, North, South.

Quarterbacks headline the NFC reports: Matt Leinart, Alex Smith, Jake Delhomme and Jason Campbell.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

This is the fourth in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We continue by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the AFC West. Note: The injury focus continues Friday with installments focusing on NFC teams.

Team: DENVER BRONCOS

Player, position, injury: Brandon Marshall, WR, severely cut right forearm.

Rehab status: Marshall is running routes and is ahead of schedule, coach Mike Shanahan said. Shanahan has targeted June 22 for Marshall to resume catching passes. The team believes Marshall will be ready for training camp, which starts July 25. In April, there was concern Marshall wouldn't be ready for camp. He suffered nerve damage while horse playing in March.

Next step: The Broncos think Marshall is on his way to a full recovery. But the wideout has to show that he can catch balls without issue. If he can, Marshall will be at full strength for camp and will be Denver's No. 1 receiver after he caught 102 passes in his second NFL season in 2007. If he cannot, Denver may have to search for a veteran receiver.

Fantasy Spin: The good news is we'll probably know whether Marshall will be limited by his arm injury well in advance of fantasy drafts. If he's fine, Marshall is a top-15 fantasy receiver with top-10 upside. If he's not, the Broncos have a plethora of also-rans to plug into his spot. Darrell Jackson (gulp) would probably take over as Denver's top receiver, and that would rather unfortunately make him an option in all leagues. Keary Colbert might become a starter in Marshall's place, and slot receiver Brandon Stokley would see his fantasy value rise, too. And, assuming he's healthy, tight end Tony Scheffler would become an even hotter fantasy draft prospect.

Team: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Player, position, injury: Larry Johnson, RB, broken right foot.

Rehab status: Johnson tested the foot this week without incident. Both Johnson and Chiefs coach Herm Edwards pronounced Johnson fit and ready to go. Johnson had been brought back slowly after missing the final eight games last season.

Next step: With Johnson ready for training camp, the Chiefs won't push him. Edwards has said Johnson will be rested often in the organized team activities, and he likely won't be pushed during training camp or in the preseason. Third-round pick Jamaal Charles of Texas is expected to get considerable work during the preseason.

Fantasy Spin: You'll struggle to find a player in '08 about whom opinions vary more. After all, Larry Johnson's just 28 years old and in '06 and '07, he rushed for 37 touchdowns. But his offensive line is now bad, and despite his protestations, there still are questions about his foot. If he's healthy all year, we know he'll be the Chiefs' lead dog and get 20-plus carries a game, but with that limited line, he probably won't be a Pro Bowler. If he's hurt again, Kolby Smith figures to get a shot as the starter, though rookie Jamaal Charles would probably slice into his playing time.

Team: OAKLAND RAIDERS

Player, position, injury: Tommy Kelly, DT, torn ACL in right knee

Rehab status: Kelly, injured Oct. 28, is not participating in Oakland's practice sessions, but he is expected to be ready for training camp.

Next step: The Raiders fully believe Kelly will be ready for training camp, but they will not push him. Kelly is being counted on for the regular season. The league was stunned when Oakland gave Kelly a seven-year, $50.5 million deal on the eve of free agency, making him the richest defensive tackle in the game. Kelly will be replacing the retired Warren Sapp in Oakland, so the Raiders need him to be ready.

Fantasy Spin: Oakland's defense has some intriguing parts -- not least of which is corner Nnamdi Asomugha -- but it's hard to recommend the Raiders as anything more than a sleeper fantasy unit to start '08. However, in individual defensive player leagues, Tommy Kelly makes an interesting sleeper himself. He's better known as a run-stopper, but gets four or five sacks and racks up 50-plus solo tackles per year. He could wind up playing anywhere along the defensive line. If his knee is right,he could be a nice late-round DL gambit.

Team: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Player, position, injury: Philip Rivers, QB, torn ACL in right knee.

Rehab status: Rivers was hurt in the AFC divisional playoffs in Indianapolis, but he played the next week in the AFC title game in New England. Rivers underwent ACL surgery after undergoing a stopgap procedure prior to the title game. Rivers shocked the team by participating in the Chargers' minicamp early this month.

Next step: The Chargers believe Rivers is ready to go, but he and coach Norv Turner said no unnecessary risks will be taken. Rivers said he may not practice twice daily in training camp. He is expected to be ready for the regular season.

Fantasy Spin: Even if he's back for the start of the '08 season, Rivers figures to suffer through the same kind of year as Carson Palmer did in '06, where he's uncomfortable in a knee brace, his mechanics suffer and his overall game sags. Considering Rivers was wildly inconsistent last season before he got hurt, that doesn't bode well for his chances to be a fantasy starter in '08, at least not in the regular season's first half. If he gets injured again, Billy Volek will get the nod and probably become a top-20 fantasy quarterback.

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

This is the third in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We continue by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the AFC North.

Team: BALTIMORE RAVENS

Player, position, injury: Jonathan Ogden, LT, hyperextended left big toe.

Rehab status: Ogden's toe feels better than it did last season, but probably not good enough for the future Hall-of-Fame tackle to avoid retirement. The feel at Ravens camp was that Baltimore would be surprised if Ogden returned.

Next step: The Ravens already are in the process of taking the next step. They are giving second-year left tackle Jarred Gaither extensive work at the position. At 6-foot-9, 350 pounds, Gaither has the physical tools, but he lacks experience.

Fantasy spin: If Ogden does retire, things should basically be business as usual for Willis McGahee. After all, Ogden missed all of five games and most of two others in '07. Last year's supplemental fifth-rounder, Gaither, stood in for Ogden at left tackle during organized team activities. Is Gaither as good as Ogden? Of course not. But the Ravens seem to like him, and may entrust rookie quarterback Joe Flacco's blind side to him for several years. If Ogden deems himself healthy enough to play in '08, it would be a small boost to McGahee's draft value.

Team: CINCINNATI BENGALS

Player, position, injury: Rudi Johnson, running back, pulled hamstring.

Rehab status: Frustrated after missing five games and averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in 2007, Johnson worked with Bengals trainers in Cincinnati this offseason and added 15 pounds of muscle to increase his durability.
"I'm just excited just to get back out there and being able to run at full speed again,'' Johnson said. "I feel good. This is the best that I've felt in a long time, and that's not just me talking.''

Next step: This is an important year for Johnson because durability was never an issue until last year. In October, Johnson turns 29, which can be a dangerous age for running backs, but he is clearly the starter entering this season.

Fantasy spin: Johnson was rock steady from '04 to '06, giving fantasy owners 12 touchdowns each season and never failing to eclipse 1,300 yards. But his burst and desire were heavily questioned last year, and the Bengals probably won't hesitate to get Kenny Watson and Chris Perry involved. Johnson makes an interesting fantasy sleeper because of his track record, but don't pay starter money for him. If he winds up injured or ineffective, Perry and Watson would get cracks at the starter's role. Remember, too, the Bengals talked to Shaun Alexander this winter.

Team: CLEVELAND BROWNS

Player, position, injury: Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, arthroscopic right knee surgery.

Rehab status: Winslow had a cleanout procedure this offseason and is rehabbing in his hometown of San Diego. His absence from organized team activities has caused a bigger stir than necessary in Cleveland because Winslow expressed displeasure with his contract at the Pro Bowl. But agent Drew Rosenhaus cleared the air last week, saying Winslow will be in mandatory minicamp beginning June 10.

Next step: When Winslow arrives, he probably will watch from the sideline until training camp. Cleveland has suffered enough injuries as it is this spring (cornerback Daven Holly, receiver Braylon Edwards, tight end Steve Heiden and offensive lineman Ryan Tucker. All were injured during "voluntary" workouts.

Fantasy spin: There's no question Winslow's knee issues figure into his fantasy value, making him a high-risk, high-reward guy for '08. He has 100-catch upside as basically another wide receiver down the middle of the field, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him top last season's five touchdowns. But if Winslow misses significant time, it's hard to say that any other tight end in Cleveland will have much fantasy impact, since Heiden is recovering from disk surgery. In fact, the biggest beneficiaries would probably be Donte' Stallworth and Joe Jurevicius, who would surely see more targets.

Team: PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Player, position, injury: Hines Ward, receiver, partially torn right knee ligament and meniscus.

Rehab status: Ward played most of the 2007 season with an injured knee and waited until after the season to have corrective surgery. There was a time when Ward, a converted college quarterback and former third-round pick, felt the need to prove himself in offseason workouts even when he was hurt. But with 10 years of experience and a Super Bowl MVP on his mantel, Ward has no problem letting the younger players get more reps this offseason.

Next step: Ward should be healthy by training camp. Meanwhile, the Steelers drafted receiver Limas Sweed in the second round. Ward has been teaching Sweed the nuances of the Steelers offense, which can only be good for the rookie.

Fantasy spin: Ward averaged only 10.3 yards per reception in '07, which lends credence to the notion that his knee was a limiting factor. If he's right, expect Ward to get back to his more traditional 12 or 13 per catch, though he'll continue to be an injury risk. But if he's permanently slowed or if the knee and/or hamstring troubles recur, rookie Sweed could find himself thrust into the spotlight early. Nate Washington would also figure to be a more likely target, possibly from the slot.

Update: Here's a Willie Parker injury update readers have requested.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas

This is the second in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We continue by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the AFC South.

Team: HOUSTON TEXANS

Player, Position, Injury: Andre Johnson, WR, injured left knee.

Rehab status: A knee problem forced Johnson to miss seven games last season, but team doctors didn't see a need to perform surgery at first. The injury knee flared up during a recent minicamp and Johnson had arthroscopic surgery to "clean up" the joint in mid-May. The rehab process is just beginning.

Next step: Johnson is missing an entire month of organized team activities, but the team and Johnson remain optimistic he'll be ready for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Spin: The fact that Johnson went ahead and had arthroscopic knee surgery may be a good thing for his '08 value. Maybe it means he'll stay healthy this season. He showed good chemistry with Matt Schaub in the brief period when both men were healthy in '07, and upped his yards per reception by more than three, a great indication that the Texans hope to use him downfield more. Johnson is still a top-five fantasy receiver, but considering his left knee has bugged him for nine months, he's definitely an injury risk. If he gets hurt again, Andre' Davis and Jacoby Jones would be the beneficiaries.

Team: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Player, Position, Injury: Bob Sanders, S, lingering issues with right shoulder.

Rehab status: The NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year underwent arthroscopic surgery shortly after a playoff loss to San Diego. He's been held out of team activities throughout the offseason. Sanders has been staying in shape by running, but he recently said he needs to spend the time between now and training camp strengthening his shoulder.

Next step: The Colts have been tight-lipped about when they expect Sanders, defensive end Dwight Freeney (foot) and receiver Marvin Harrison (knee) to be at full strength. Sanders has been adamant that he'll be ready for the start of the season, but he has stopped short of saying he'll be 100 percent by the start of training camp.

Fantasy Spin: Sanders and Freeney are the main reasons the Colts' defense is draftable in fantasy leagues. If either man misses extended time, the consequences could be dire both in terms of sacks registered and rush yards allowed. It sounds as if Sanders is a safe bet to participate in training camp, which is great news. ESPN.com currently has the Indianapolis defense ranked No. 7 for fantasy, so clearly we're reasonably confident both Sanders and Freeney will return. But if Freeney is limited all the way into Week 1 -- and it's possible -- rookies Marcus Howard and Curtis Johnson could work their way into the Colts' speed-rusher rotation.

Team: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Player, Position, Injury: Tony McDaniel, DT, broken wrist.

Rehab status: After earning a spot in the defensive line rotation, McDaniel suffered a wrist injury and missed the final 12 games of last season.

Next step: The injury didn't diminish the team's view of McDaniel. The Jaguars recently signed him to a contract extension and he should have a spot in the rotation this year. The team is moving on without mainstay Marcus Stroud, so it's important for McDaniel to contribute this season.

Fantasy Spin: No fantasy impact


Team: TENNESSEE TITANS

Player, Position, Injury: LenDale White, RB, torn meniscus in left knee.

Rehab status: Very quietly, White played through most of last season with a knee injury. He was still productive. He recently revealed he had surgery after the season to repair the knee. The rehab sidelined White during some early offseason workouts, but he's been able to do everything recently.

Next step: The Titans may go easy on White in their late-June minicamp, but that would only be as a precaution. He's expected to be at full strength for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Spin: One can't help thinking White's his knees would be healthier if he weren't carrying so much weight. He underwhelmed with a 3.6 yards-per-carry average in '07, but showed a good nose for the goal line, scoring seven times. Rookie Chris Johnson and second-year man Chris Henry figure to play on third downs, and they would benefit if White's knee troubles flare up again. But if the offseason knee surgery makes White more explosive, he could be a long-odds candidate for double-digit scores in '08.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

This is the first in a series of divisional reports examining pivotal injuries that could impact each NFL team heading into training camp and the regular season. ESPN.com fantasy sports expert Christopher Harris provides a "fantasy spin" on each player. We begin by focusing on a key injury affecting each team in the AFC East.

Team: BUFFALO BILLS

Player, position, injury: Paul Posluszny, LB, broken left arm.

Rehab status: Posluszny has been cleared for contact. He is practicing with the Bills during their ongoing camp and even picked off a Trent Edwards pass near the goal line Wednesday. He appears fully recovered after undergoing season-ending surgery in September to repair two broken bones in his forearm.

Next step: Being cleared for full-contact work is one thing. Participating in full-contact work is quite another. Posluszny won't get that chance until training camp. He's had plenty of time to recover, however, and the Bills expect him to help fortify their run defense. Posluszny has the potential to be an impact player.

Fantasy spin: No impact.

Team: MIAMI DOLPHINS

Player, position, injury: Ronnie Brown, RB, torn right knee ligaments.

Rehab status: Brown underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior-cruciate ligament on Nov. 1. He is carrying the ball and changing direction effectively during the Dolphins' ongoing practices. The team is taking precautions to protect Brown from unnecessary contact.

Next step: The Dolphins expect Brown to be ready for training camp. They are encouraged by his progress so far, but it's still early. Only seven months have passed since Brown underwent surgery.

Fantasy spin: Ricky Williams will be a fly in the fantasy ointment even if Brown is ready to go by training camp. Bill Parcells (and his proxy Tony Sparano) have been known to favor backfield committees, and Williams reported to organized team activities in very good shape. Brown is a terrific pass-catcher and has additional value in points-per-reception leagues, but despite his strong start in '07, he's not a No. 1 fantasy back entering '08. And if his knee isn't healthy? Williams's value would spike, and rookie Jalen Parmele could steal third-down touches.

Team: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Player, position, injury: Benjamin Watson, TE, cartilage damage in left ankle.

Rehab status: Watson continues to rehab following the ankle surgery he underwent in March. He is not participating in the Patriots' ongoing passing camp. Watson initially injured the ankle when Dallas' Roy Williams tackled him awkwardly during an Oct. 14 game. He was hurt again during a Dec. 9 game against Pittsburgh.

Next step: The team holds a mandatory camp beginning June 6. There's no reason to expect the Patriots to rush their most dynamic tight end. Getting Watson on the field for training camp could be the top priority. Even then, the Patriots might be wise to ease him into action.

Fantasy spin: If Watson is healthy and regains explosiveness, he'll resume his role as a primary red-zone threat for one of the league's scariest offenses. He's not a candidate for 100-plus targets, but even 75 would make him a borderline fantasy starter. David Thomas would benefit as a pass-catcher if Watson can't get his ankle right; the aging Marcus Pollard looked stiff in minicamp and doesn't seem like much of a fantasy threat.

Team: NEW YORK JETS

Player, position, injury: Laveranues Coles, WR, high ankle sprain.

Rehab status: Coles is participating in ongoing practices after recovering from the knee, calf, ankle, torso and head injuries that reportedly slowed him last season. The ankle injury bothered Coles most noticeably, leading the Jets to place him on injured reserve in December.

Next step: Coles simply needed some downtime to recuperate from his injuries. While the Jets are notoriously tight-lipped about injuries, nothing should stop Coles from regaining the consistency he showed while never missing a game from 2001 until last season.

Fantasy spin: If he's healthy, Coles is one of the league's faster receivers, but the Jets continue to use him almost like a possession guy. He was 72nd in yards per reception among qualifiers last year. Perhaps if Kellen Clemens improves, Coles will get more downfield chances. If Coles struggles with injury again, Brad Smith and Chansi Stuckey figure to get chances, though neither guy projects as much of an outside threat or fantasy option. Rookie Marcus Henry is a project.