Lots of injury news to get to today, including a couple of updates on Peyton Manning’s status.

But first, an aside.

Injuries are taking their toll across the league on both sides of the ball. Although we do not cover defensive players in the MMR, I thought it warranted mentioning that two team-crucial defensive players in this league, the Giants’ Osi Umenyiora and Redskins’ Jason Taylor, were sidelined with knee injuries this past week.

Umenyiora’s injury was much, much worse than Taylor’s, but it begs the question: How much preseason football is too much? I know fans clamor for more and more football each season, but why are there four weeks of preseason football? Don’t these guys take enough abuse during the 16-game regular season?

I think these latest injuries give credence to coaches who sit their stars during preseason, even if being rusty for the season opener is a consequence of that risk.

What do you guys think? Are four preseason games too much? Should we shrink the preseason schedule to three games and add an extra regular season game?

OK, off my soap box. Hit the jump for the MMR.

Peyton Manning [QB, Colts]

From The National Football Post:

I talked to several people in the NFL yesterday who know things and they assure me that Peyton Manning’s knee is a huge concern for the Colts.  Apparently Manning had to go through another procedure on his knee to clean things out after having his bursa sac removed last month.

And from ProFootballTalk:

Moments ago on NFL Network’s coverage of the Bills-Colts preseason game at brand-spanking-new Lucas Oil Stadium, Adam Schefter reported that Colts coach Tony Dungy said there’s a “good chance” that quarterback Peyton Manning will play in the regular-season opener.

Having trouble controlling the swelling … boy, that does not sound good. And I am not sure that I trust Tony Dungy’s injury status update at this point. We all remember last year’s Marvin Harrison injury.

I just got Manning in one league, so I am especially hopeful he returns to action for the season opener. How weird would it be for the Colts to open the regular season in a brand new stadium with someone other than Manning under center?

Too weird, I think, for him to miss the game.

Willis McGahee [RB, Ravens]

From FanHouse:

McGahee had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and hasn’t handled a ball in the preseason, but thinks he will be good to go when it matters.

A glimmer of good news in what has been a mostly negative preseason for McGahee. First the injury, then the rumors of getting cut by the season opener, and then the rumor that he might get cut midseason.

Hopefully, McGahee can get back on the field and show everyone why he needs to be in Baltimore. Without him, the Ravens really have no recognizable offense.

Antonio Gates [TE, Chargers]

From The San Diego Union-Tribune:

Antonio Gates was scheduled to go through just individual drills yesterday in his second full day of practice with the Chargers.

But the more the tight end ran, the better he felt.

The news keeps getting better for Gates, but I still think he misses the first week. He might be back by week two.

Gates’ fantasy owners need to prepare for his absence. Troll the waiver wire and see what kind of deals there are at tight end. If you need some advice, shoot me an email.

Chad Johnson [WR, Bengals]

From RotoWorld:

Bengals.com says that the severity of Chad Johnson’s shoulder injury was a primary reason for re-signing Chris Henry.

Considering Henry isn’t eligible to play until Week 5, Johnson’s shoulder injury could be a lot worse than reported. ESPN’s Bob Holzman reported the Bengals don’t know yet how long Johnson will be out. But they are clearly concerned it could be a long-term injury or one that could re-cur during the year. It’s time to downgrade Johnson on your cheats to a WR2 until we know more.

I am not buying the Chris Henry-is-an-emergency-plan-in-case-Chad-cannot-go spin by the Bengals’ front office.

I think this signing was all about undermining head coach Marvin Lewis’ power. He could be on this way out if things do not go well this season.

As for Johnson, I do not think the injury is too serious. We should see him in action week one.

Derek Anderson [QB, Browns]

From The Plain Dealer:

Browns Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson and Pro Bowl kick returner Josh Cribbs both left the game against the New York Giants on Monday in the first half with injuries and did not return. Anderson suffered a concussion and bruised right hand, and Cribbs had a left ankle injury.

Another team stricken by a scary-looking preseason injury. Concussions are pretty serious, so hopefully Anderson does not have any lingering effects by week one.

Otherwise, the Browns will need to rely on second-year quarterback Brady Quinn. Not sure how that would work out, but I imagine all the Browns’ offensive starters would take a value hit with the unproven Quinn at the helm.

Kevin Curtis [WR, Eagles]

From Philly.com:

Eagles wide receiver Kevin Curtis will have sports hernia surgery and will be sidelined for a significant amount of time, coach Andy Reid said today.

A big blow to the Philly receiving corps. But Donovan McNabb has made more with less in the past, so the team should be able to weather the storm in Curtis’ absence.