1. David Fluellen, RB, Toledo
Toledo's most experienced running back David Fluellen has been fighting to recover from a broken bone in his foot since mid-summer. With the departure of Adonis Thomas and Morgan Williams, the Rockets' are sitting with sophomore Cassius McDowell, and true-freshman Damion Jones-Moore. If the bone in his foot doesn't heal correctly, Fluellen could be left with nagging pain throughout the year affecting his performance.
2. Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh
Ray Graham of Pittsburgh is stated as "unlikely to play" according to ESPN.com. A senior starting running back, Graham is still recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee that he suffered on Oct. 26, 2011 against Connecticut. ACL tears typically take 7 to 12 months for proper healing through rest and rehab. If Graham does miss the season opener against Youngstown State, look towards seeing Graham missing the next game against Cincinnati. Keep Graham on your player watch, it isn't rare for players to come back strong from ACL injuries. A big problem he could be facing is lateral movements, which could limit him to becoming an offensive specialist in a few plays. Graham could be a hit or miss in fantasy leagues.
3. Roy Roundtree, WR, Michigan
Michigan's single-game receiving record holder (246 yards) Roy Roundtree is set to play the season-opener against defending national champion Alabama on Sept. 1. Just a little over two weeks ago on Aug. 10, Roundtree underwent arthroscopic surgery for a "twinge in his left knee during a practice session. "He had a little cartilage cleaned up," stated head coach Brady Hoke of the injury. A senior receiver, Roundtree is looking to come back strong. A positive outlook from Brady Hoke and teammates should help to justify Roundtree bouncing back to pre-injury status.
4. Treyvon Green, RB, Northwestern
Northwestern sophomore running back Treyvon Green suffered a scare Aug. 10 after a hit to the chest by safety Ibraheim Campbell sent Green to the hospital immobilized in an ambulance. Green was later diagnosed with a concussion, yet his sudden loss of feeling in his extremities isn't commonly found in standard concussions symptoms. "As I'm trying to open my eyes, I feel a numbness going down my legs, and I really can't feel my hands. At this point, I'm terrified. I didn't know if I was going to play football again," Green told nusports.com. MRI and CAT scans came up negative for any brain trauma, and Green is expected to play this upcoming Saturday, Sept. 1 at Syracuse. The uncommon loss of sensation in the extremities leaves me weary of other causes than a concussion.
5. D.J. Coles, WR, Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech receiver D.J. Coles is back playing from surgery to his right knee in January to repair a PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) tear. On Saturday's scrimmage game, Coles was cleared to play full contact and had two catches for 29 yards. Players and coaches are optimistic in his return to play the season-opener against Georgia Tech this Monday, Sept. 3. Although noted as still having some pain, it seems that Coles may see some playing time in the season-opener, but it should only be a few plays.
6. David Sims, RB, Georgia Tech
On Sept. 3, Georgia Tech will be playing Virginia Tech yet are still up in the air with their running back situation. Georgia Tech starting running back David Sims is still recovering from surgery to repair a shin stress fracture and is labeled questionable for the game. With the big move by sophomore Zach Laskey to second (behind Sims) on the depth chart, the Georgia Tech coaches could give Sims some extra rest and recovery time to try out the potential Laskey.