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Training Camp Notes: Luck be a Lady

Andrew Luck will start Indy's preseason opener against the Bills on Saturday. Luck will likely only a play a few series, but it's nice to see him healthy and back on the field. The young QB is coming off a down, injury plagued season, and has the added pressure of signing a $140 million contract this offseason. By most accounts, Luck's still working back into form and is coming off an "uneven" training camp. However, it's to be expected that Luck will have some rust to knock off after missing the final seven games last season, so I'm not worrying much yet, and I still consider Luck to be easily among my top three quarterbacks. Having said that, keep an eye on the situation as Luck's health will (obviously) play a big role in his ability to produce this season.

  • Speaking of Saturday's hotly anticipated Colts-Bills clash, Bills head coach Rex Ryan has declared that LeSean McCoy will see limited, if any, action in the monster preseason showdown. All jokes aside, Shady is a veteran and doesn't need to get as many preseason reps as other players, especially considering the tread already on his tires. On the flip side, McCoy did have an injury plagued season in 2015, so it's fair to have a modicum of worry about the elusive running back's health. As a result, monitor the situation, but should Shady prove to be healthy and good to go, I'm very bullish (billish?) about his him having a big bounce-back season in 2016.
  • One more from this game: Sammy Watkins may also be limited, or out of action completely, as the wide receiver continues to make his way back from offseason foot surgery. I'm a little more worried about Watkins than McCoy, simply because of his inability to stay on the field so far throughout his short career; but this is another case where I'm not overly nervous, and am similarly positive about Watkins' fantasy prospects should he also be given a clean bill of health prior to the season.
  • This was supposed to be the year! Finally, Ladarius Green was in a perfect position to capitalize on all the talent that's made him a perennial "sleeper" in many a fantasy league. At last Green was to be out from under the immense shadow of Antonio Gates; in a terrific offense with Big Ben facilitating Green's climb to fantasy greatness. Sadly, that dream seems to (yet again) be just that, as Ladarius is suffering from headaches that have kept him from making his training camp debut. Headaches (likely stemming from head injuries) are serious, so let's hope Green gets better soon. From a fantasy perspective, obviously we need to see him on the field before we can take him seriously in fantasy drafts, but assuming a return in the near future, he's certainly worth a flier as late round option at tight end; but keep a close eye on the situation, as head injuries can be unpredictable and linger longer than expected.
  • Seahawks' offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has been singing the praises of former Seahawk turned current Seahawk Christine Michael, as Bevell believes Michael had an "awakening" last year after getting cut by multiple teams, and has returned to Seattle with a new air of "maturity." With Thomas Rawls returning from surgery and being eased back into action, Michael has a chance to run with the first team and establish himself as a potential starter in the coaching staff's minds. Now obviously, it's Rawls' job; but between his injury history and lack of a track record, Michael should be considered one of the most important handcuffs in the entire league.
  • Alshon Jeffrey was able to "give it a go" in Thursday's preseason contest with the Broncos. And while the receiver only had a 12-yard catch on the evening, it was a positive to see Jeffrey out on the field at all. Alshon struggled with soft tissue injuries last season, limiting himself to nine games played, and he's been slow to get going in training camp. Honestly, I'm nervous about taking Jeffrey where he's going in drafts, but if he continues to make progress as the preseason moves along, I'm certainly open to changing my stance.
  • Lastly, in the "don't draft kickers too high" department: Tampa Bay rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo was drafted in the second round by the Bucs. Yup, you read that right: THE SECOND ROUND. Welp, wouldn't you know it, Aguayo's first professional kick bounced off the left upright for a missed PAT in Thursday's preseason tilt with the Eagles. For all the people who say that the NFL and fantasy football are different, at least this rule applies to both: don't draft a kicker before the last round, if at all.