Jeremy Maclin has reportedly been cleared to play after months of tests for Lymphoma – After early reports Wednesday suggested his problem was the expected mono, it was later revealed a much more serious issue was the case all along. That said, it's a scare that has been rebuffed, as cancer has been totally ruled out after a recent test when doctors removed lymph nodes through his belly button. Apparently, an inflammatory virus was to blame, and while it's still unclear how long it will take for Maclin to regain full strength, his once sketchy long-term prognosis looks positive.
Jonathan Stewart was held out of Wednesday's practice with Achilles' soreness – Here we go again. This is related to the same area of the foot that dates back to his college days in Oregon. It's likely not overly serious, but it's also equally as frustrating that this injury still lingers. Stewart is a top-10 talented running back in the NFL, but he's clearly behind an equally skilled DeAngelo Williams on Carolina's depth chart, so it will take an injury for him to be fantasy relevant.
Terrell Owens (ACL) hopes to contribute early this season – He says he'll be ready by Week 2 or 3, but it remains to be seen if an NFL team will gamble on a 38-year-old receiver who comes with baggage. Despite him proving still plenty capable last year, the bet here is that T.O. struggles to find an opportunity, even though that's a ridiculous notion.
Percy Harvin missed practice Wednesday with bruised ribs and may not play in Saturday's preseason game – Harvin is an injury risk, but if his migraines are truly behind him, this seems like nothing to worry about more than any other wear and tear other receivers go through. He should benefit from the loss of Sidney Rice, and although Donovan McNabb is in decline (and it's possible in a big way, especially outside of Philly), he almost certainly can't be worse than what Minny's QB situation was last year. Harvin, now entering the third year of his NFL career, has the skill set to be a major difference maker.
Gary Kubiak said Ben Tate (hamstring) "took a big step forward" Wednesday and hopes to have the running back on the field Thursday – This update has less to do with Tate specifically than it does with all Houston backs vying for the backup role. Pay close attention to whoever emerges out of Tate, Steve Slaton or Derrick Ward, who are all currently injured, as the RB2 role could prove huge if Arian Foster goes down this season.