Fantasy Football News - Get the Facts About 2009 NFL Players and Recent Injuries

In June each year the football season really starts to heat up. The draft has been completed, mini camps are finished and training camps are almost in full swing. The summer is when football experts begin to produce strong projections about player value and team performance. Injuries are one of the very most mentioned topics during this time period, while final trades are made and contracts signed. Injuries in the NFL and football generally speaking are common. In a report titled "Players' Positions, Not Prior Injuries, Predict NFL Career Length" (May 28, 2009) from MedicalNewsToday.com, a brand new study on NFL injuries and career longevity is highlighted.

The study was primarily authored by, former Rookie-of-the-Year, All Pro defensive back and NFL scout for over 30 years, Milt Davis, Ph.D. Unfortunately Davis died in September of 2008 before he could present the findings. Pat Lombardi, Ph.D., another writer of the research stated, "Throughout the course of the research, Milt demonstrated that nearly three-fourths of most players had more than two significant injuries, and that one of two had a significant surgery just before entering the NFL." (Source  highlights football: American College of Sports Medicine) Although injuries don't need certainly to shorten a player's career, they've a remarkable effect on fantasy football value. Given that the 2009 draft is over, let's review some of the most recent NFL injury reports.

Dallas Cowboys Handle Common Knee and Hamstring Injuries

CBSSports.com recently reported that wide receivers Miles Austin and Isaiah Stanback are unlikely to be present in the beginning of the Cowboys' training camp. According to the Dallas Morning News Austin's hamstring injury has cost him three weeks of practice, but he is hoping to prepare yourself and healthy by the start of the 2009 season. CBSSports.com confirms Austin's sleeper value increase if he returns on the field healthy. CowboysBlog.DallasNews.com reported in May that Stanback did have "arthroscopic surgery to fix a meniscus tear in his right knee." It is doubtful he is going to be ready in the beginning of training camp, but Jerry Jones is quoted as saying, "I know that that's frustrating for him, but he's got enough time. He works hard, and he'll reunite out there." The bodes well for Cowboys fans.

Knee Injuries Cause Different Outcomes for Patriots WR Tate and QB Brady

Pat's wide receiver Brandon Tate could very possible end through to the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list because of his slow recovery from knee surgery in accordance with CBSSports.com. Even though surgery took invest October, his rehab has been slow. On a better note, CBSSports.com reported on June 9, 2009 that Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady had been practicing on the field in the rain. Brady in full practice is a good sign after his surgery for a torn ACL and MCL. Brady will remain a fantasy football favorite if he proves his reconstructed knee can go the distance.

Raiders WR Javon Walker Chooses to Keep Surgery on the Down Low

On May 9, 2009 Nfl.Fanhouse.com revealed that Oakland Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker had knee surgery in April and did not notify the team. Coach Tom Cable is quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle saying he believes Walker "did the right thing by obtaining the surgery." It is still unclear what the summer season holds for Walker.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook's Ankle Surgery

Based on writer Michael Davis Smith of NFL.Fanhouse.com, "the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that running back Brian Westbrook will have surgery to eliminate bone spurs in his right ankle." Recovery time for this procedure is normally 2 or 3 months so Westbrook may miss training camp and the preseason. Smith wonders if Westbrook's time as an elite running back is arriving at an end.

Seattle Seahawks WR Deion Branch Says "His Knee Will Never Feel Normal Again"

Wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks Deion Branch underwent reconstructive knee surgery this year. Branch was recently quoted by the Associated Press as saying, "You will never be back to normalcy when you have this type of procedure done." If his recovery goes well Branch is likely to make a significant fantasy receiver, but his performance may flunk of previous years.

Additional Fantasy Football Considerations

You can find endless stories involving NFL injuries and potential fantasy problems. Keep these facts in mind when choosing you fantasy draft this season.

1. Pittsburg Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a knee injury in early June, but was back at practice a day later in line with the Associated Press.

2. Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Buffalo Bills, skipped minicamp because of swollen foot. Xrays and tests show the injury is minor in accordance with BuffaloBills.com. Fantasy leagues must look into Fred Jackson as an essential backup.

3. An HBO interview with Brett Favre confirmed his shoulder surgery. Decisions regarding Favre and the Vikings is going to be made by the end of July once his health has been evaluated.