Merriman May Miss Opener

Update: San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman may miss the team's regular season opener against the Chiefs, the AP reports. Merriman has been bothered by an Achilles' tendon injury, and will not play in the preseason finale.

Fantasy Impact: It is likely best for Merriman to sit out and Week 1 and get healthy, rather than to play with an injury and risk further hurting himself. Merriman is a prolific pass rusher and the team needs him to be healthy to do what he can at his best.

Haynesworth Might Not Play Week 1

Update: Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that even though Washington Redskins DT/DE Albert Haynesworth will get a heavy workload this Thursday in the preseason finale, he may be inactive Week 1 versus the Dallas Cowboys. Haynesworth and head coach Mike Shanahan have not seen eye-to-eye this off-season, and this may be a way for the coach to show the player who is in charge.

Fantasy Impact: Whether you like Haynesworth or not, it is undeniable that he is an impact player. And without him, the chances of beating the Cowboys Week 1 are severely decreased. If priority number 1 for Shanahan is to win football games, then sitting Haynesworth is not in the best interest of the team.

Bryant Won’t Play On Thursday

Update: Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com reports that Dallas Cowboys rookie WR Dez Bryant will not play on Thursday. Bryant came back this week from an ankle injury and was expected to make his NFL debut in the preseason finale. However, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that none of the regulars will play. Fantasy Impact: It looks like Bryant's debut will be during the regular season opener. He should be nearly 100% by then, so he will be on the field for a significant amount of time. In fantasy, it likely would not be a great idea to start Bryant in week 1 because no one knows exactly how much he will play and what kind of chemistry he has with QB Tony Romo. But if he plays well, he could end up being a very solid fantasy WR this season.