Anyone want to take odds on which player’s injury will be talked about the most this offseason?

The odds-on favorite has to be Tom Brady. But I think LaDainian Tomlinson’s latest set back will get a lot of press, too. Carson Palmer, Reggie Bush and a few others also should see their share of coverage this offseason as well.

The good thing about this feature, which we lovingly call the Monday Morning Rehab, is that you can keep up with all of the NFL’s injuries right here every week. This information is critical to fantasy owners, especially those in keeper and/or dynasty leagues.

And this week, you can read about all of the above-mentioned players after the jump.

LaDainian Tomlinson [RB, Chargers]

From ProFootballTalk:

Ed Werder of ESPN reports that Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is not expected to play in Pittsburgh on Sunday, due to a groin tear.

Tomlinson officially is listed as “doubtful,” which technically means there’s a 25-percent chance he’ll play.

Tomlinson did not play for the Chargers yesterday against the Steelers and was replaced in the lineup by the diminutive free-agent-to-be Darren Sproles.

The Steelers had the running game in check all day, but the versatile Sproles scored a late touchdown yesterday via the passing game. It will be interesting to see if the Chargers bring him back this offseason to work with Tomlinson next year. If so, expect Sproles to considerably eat into LT’s playing time next year.

Reggie Bush [RB, Saints]

From ProFootballTalk:

Bush told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he underwent a cartilage repair called a “chondroplasty,” with renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews performing the surgery.

Per the Times-Picayune, Bush said he’s been off crutches for a few weeks, has resumed workouts, and is on schedule to participate in the Saints’ offseason training program in March.

First it was a minor operation, then early last week it was a major deal, and now Bush is playing it off as semi-minor again.

But this now is becoming a chronic problem, which makes it a little more of a big deal than Bush and the Saints are letting on. Still, it will be a few months before it is known where Bush stands in terms of recovery. The Saints are saying all the right things now, but what the team does in the next few months via free agency and the NFL Draft will dictate the faith they have in Bush returning in time for training camp.

Tom Brady [QB, Patriots]

From NBC Sports:

With the start of training camp seven months away and the season opener nine months out, Brady may wind up beginning the 2009 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Players placed on that list are eligible to begin playing in Week 6.

Let Brady Watch 2009 begin!

There really is not much to see here other than more speculation on Brady’s current rehabilitation. Despite reports that he is behind schedule, it still is a little early to tell exactly how far along Brady is following knee surgery. As we get past free agency and the NFL Draft the picture will become a little more clear, but I expect to read a number of stories between now and next summer regarding Brady and Matt Cassel in the same backfield.

Trent Edwards [QB, Bills]

From RotoWorld:

ESPN’s John Clayton reports that Trent Edwards may need surgery on his shoulder this offseason.

If he needs surgery, Edwards better get it done soon. The timetable for return following surgery varies depending on the operation but Edwards has more than enough time to get work done now and be back in time for training camp next summer.

If he waits too long to fix any health problems, his diminishing fantasy value might disappear completely.

Patrick Crayton [WR, Cowboys]

From DallasCowboys.com:

Cornerback Terence Newman and receiver Patrick Crayton both underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair bone spurs in their ankles today.

It sounds like a standard procedure for Crayton, who should return to the Cowboys next season as the team’s No. 3 wide receiver.

Crayton’s fantasy value heading into 2009 took a major hit when Dallas acquired Roy Williams. He should, however, return to a more familiar role on the field as the team’s slot receiver next year, which could lead to a slight resurgence in his fantasy value. However, he is not draftable in standard redraft leagues as of right now.

Carson Palmer [QB, Bengals]

From ProFootballTalk:

Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer won’t need surgery to repair his injured elbow. Palmer had an MRI near the end of the season, and Benglas P.R. director Jack Brennan said that it revealed that the healing process had started on its own.

Well that is good news for Palmer … I guess.

If something is wrong with the elbow, however, it will not take long for Palmer to reaggravate the injury next season. His value will be a lot lower heading into next season and some of that value will be dictated on how he holds up during training camp. If the Bengals let him loose next summer, he could be a pretty good value in fantasy drafts if Cincinnati can rejuvenate the offense this offseason.

The MMR will continue to run every Monday morning as scheduled during the offseason. If you have an injury update or want an update on a certain player, please leave a note in the comments.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!