In June every yFantasy Football News - Have the Facts About 2009 NFL Players and Recent Injuries

In June every year the football season really starts to heat up. The draft has been completed, mini camps are finished and training camps are almost entirely swing. The summer is when football experts begin to create strong projections about player value and team performance. Injuries are one of the most talked about topics during this time, while final trades are made and contracts signed. Injuries in the NFL and football in general are common. In a report titled "Players' Positions, Not Prior Injuries, Predict NFL Career Length" (May 28, 2009) from MedicalNewsToday.com, a 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 study stated, "Throughout the length of the study, Milt demonstrated that nearly three-fourths of players had more than two significant injuries, and that one of two had an important surgery ahead of entering the NFL." (Source: American College of Sports Medicine) Although injuries don't need certainly to shorten a player's career, they have a dramatic influence on fantasy football value. Now that the 2009 draft is over, let's review a few 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 at the start of the Cowboys' training camp. In line with the Dallas Morning News Austin's hamstring injury has cost him three weeks of practice, but he is hoping to be ready and healthy by the start of the 2009 season. CBSSports.com confirms Austin's sleeper value increases if he comes home on the field healthy. CowboysBlog.DallasNews.com reported in May that Stanback did have "arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee full matches football." It's doubtful he is going to be ready at the start of training camp, but Jerry Jones is quoted as saying, "I realize 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 Result in Different Outcomes for Patriots WR Tate and QB Brady

Pat's wide receiver Brandon Tate could very possible end through to the PUP (Physically Struggling to Perform) list because of his slow recovery from knee surgery in accordance with CBSSports.com. Even though the surgery took place in October, his rehab has been slow. On an improved note, CBSSports.com reported on June 9, 2009 that Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady had been practicing on the field in the rain. Brady entirely practice is an excellent sign after his surgery for a torn ACL and MCL. Brady will continue to be an illusion 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's still unclear what the growing season holds for Walker.

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook's Ankle Surgery

In accordance with writer Michael Davis Smith of NFL.Fanhouse.com, "the Philadelphia Eagles have confirmed that running back Brian Westbrook may 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 at the very top running back is coming to 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'll never be back on track after you have this type of procedure done." If his recovery goes well Branch will make a good fantasy receiver, but his performance may fall short of previous years.

Additional Fantasy Football Considerations

You will 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 minor knee injury in early June, but was back at practice 24 hours later based on the Associated Press.

2. Marshawn Lynch, running back for the Buffalo Bills, skipped minicamp as a result 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 at the conclusion of July once his health has been evaluated.