Training Camp Notes

By Dalton Del Don

Despite negative X-Rays on Steve Smith’s shoulder following an injury in Monday’s practice, he’s doubtful to play at all during the preseason – Smith was in considerable pain and is probably going to undergo an MRI. He hasn’t played a full 16-game schedule in any of his last three seasons, and over the past five years, he’s averaged four missed contests. Smith is easily one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, but since his health is a question mark, and he also relies on Jake Delhomme staying upright, guys like Greg Jennings and Roddy White are better fantasy picks. If Smith is out into the regular season, the Panthers would likely go with Muhsin Muhammad and Dwayne Jarrett as starters, and the offense would suffer greatly as a result.

Felix Jones (stiff toe) returned to the Cowboys’ Monday afternoon practice after sitting out the morning session – It’s obviously a concern considering a toe injury ended his season last year, and it’s safe to question whether Jones can handle many touches in the NFL. That said, there may not be a more explosive runner in the league, and with Marion Barber struggling given a full workload in 2008, and the Cowboys likely to run more with Terrell Owens jettisoned, Jones is the type of fantasy pick who could win your league for you.

Antonio Bryant will miss at least three weeks with a torn meniscus in his left knee – Coach Raheem Morris said Bryant will not play in the preseason as a precaution but will be ready for the season opener Sept. 13 against Dallas. It’s the same knee Bryant injured Dec. 8 at Carolina when he torched the Panthers with nine catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. The volatile Bryant was a bit of a risky pick to begin with, especially with the addition of Kellen Winslow and a shaky QB situation. Still, while maintaining last year’s second half pace (46 catches, 797 yards, six touchdowns) was unrealistic, the talent is very real, as his career 15.3 yards-per-catch mark suggests. He obviously needs to get bumped down some, but he’s still a top-25 fantasy wide receiver.