Jahvid Best (concussion) is expected to start the year on the PUP list – It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Best is a strong candidate to miss at least the first six games. He has a scary concussion history and it's been a full 10 months since the concussion that ended his 2011 season. If a doctor cannot clear him for contact in that timeframe, what difference will a couple more months make? In other words, don't be surprised if Best sits out all of 2012 and considers retirement in the offseason.
James Harrison underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee – While the procedure done to Harrison's knee sounds like a minor one, the speed bump could keep him from teeing off on Peyton Manning in Week 1. Although a bit boom or bust at times, he's still a quality IDP when healthy and shouldn't miss more than a couple of games, if any at all.
Mikel Leshoure (hamstring) was eased back into practice – Leshoure had missed practice for over two straight weeks, so it's nice to see him at least getting back on the field, even if it was without pads and at less than full participation. Hopefully he can be ready to get some snaps in the third preseason game so that owners can get some feel for what he can do in a professional football game. Given the prolonged absence of Best and the injury history of Kevin Smith, the door could be open for a huge workload for Leshoure once he returns from suspension in Week 3—if he can get healthy that is.
Torrey Smith (ankle) did not practice and is expected to miss Friday's game versus Detroit – The ankle sprain that Smith suffered in the team's first preseason game last Thursday was initially deemed as "minor" but it's looking like the Ravens will at least take it easy with their No. 1 receiver throughout the remainder of the preseason. That or the injury is more serious than they've let on. It would be a great sign if the breakout candidate could return to practice next week, but if Smith continues to sit out he should be drafted a bit more cautiously.
Santonio Holmes (ribs) is now dealing with back tightness – The Jets passing game is looking pretty miserable right now. The uncertainty at the quarterback position is massively compounded by the severe lack of talented options to throw the ball to, and if the deteriorating health of Holmes lingers into the season, expect some ugly performances from the Jets' O.
Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd all returned to practice after missing the previous two days – With the Bill Belichick code of silence in full effect, there isn't much to report here because, well, there isn't anything known regarding the issues that kept three of Tom Brady's top targets from practicing. If they are all fine, which is likely the case since they're back at practice, continue viewing each as a high-end option come draft day.
Olympic sprinter and former Florida Gator Jeff Demps is sparking interest from teams – While others could be in the mix, both the Jets and Buccaneers have been clear that they are interested in bringing in the world-class sprinter. His blazing speed could earn Demps a roster spot with either club, but likely wouldn't go far enough to get him regular field action and warrant use in any fantasy formats, save for those that reward highly for return yards.
Broncos defensive end Jason Hunter is expected to miss four months with a torn triceps – With just 11 career sacks in six seasons, the loss of Hunter is a much bigger hit to the Broncos' depth along the defensive line than it is to the IDP world. Former first-round pick Robert Ayers should be able to hold onto a starting defensive end spot now that Hunter is no longer around to push him.