Three running backs and a wide receiver in this week’s MMR, but no Brett Favre.

OK, well I lied. There is a Favre update to pass along, as it was reported late last week that the elder quarterback had his medical documents examined by none other than the well-known Dr. James Andrews.

No word on whether or not Andrews — or the Vikings, for that matter — have medically cleared Favre to play this season without major surgery. Apparently, those are the conditions set forth by Favre in order for a return to be possible.

I am not entirely sure what is taking so long with Favre’s results. When I busted up my knee last year playing ultimate frisbee, it only took a few days for the doc to come back with the results and diagnos the issue. I had surgery a week later and was back on the field in three weeks. Perhaps Favre is having some problems with medical opinions and having to seek seconds of those, which could mean the Vikings are concerned about his arm after all.

Who knows with Favre. The saga continues.

Laurence Maroney [RB, Patriots]

From ProFootballTalk:

As Gasper explains, Maroney injured the shoulder in Week Two against the Jets, skipped the Week Three game against the Dolphins, and then returned to action against the 49ers, after a Week Four bye.

Must be difficult to play football — running back, nonetheless — with a broken bone in your shoulder. Perhaps this will lighten the distaste fantasy owners have for Maroney following his bust-like campaign in 2008.

But I doubt it.

More than likely, the injury-prone label will be thrown on this guy’s fragile shoulder this summer, effectively beating down Maroney’s fantasy value. Even as a mid-round running back, there are more concerns about Maroney than a label which will affect his value: Too much competition in the backfield, Tom Brady back in the fold and a coach who likes to see his team spread the ball around.

Sidney Rice [WR, Vikings]

From RotoWorld:

Vikings WR Sidney Rice is still recovering from the sprained PCL in his right knee that plagued him throughout the 2008 season.

The same knee injury that plagued Rice from what seemed like the very start of 2008 still is not completely healed. Red flags just went up all over my computer screen.

Not saying to stay completely away from Rice this year, especially if you-know-who winds up in Minnesota. But it is clear that he is struggling with the knee which could leave him a little behind in training camp this summer. Bernard Berrian is the most ownable of any Vikings’ receiver, but you guys already knew that.

Cadillac Williams [RB, Buccaneers]

From NFL.com:

Fellow RB Cadillac Williams, who tore the patellar tendon in his left knee last season after suffering the same injury in his right knee in 2007, continued his rehabilitation. Williams hasn’t been medically cleared to resume football-related activities.

Might be a while before we see Williams back on the field, if ever.

Honestly, I am glad to see him continuing to pursue his career in the NFL. It would be easy for Cadillac to give up, but he has a dream and continues to follow it regardless of the risk. Keep fightin’, Caddy.

Earnest Graham [RB, Buccaneers]

From RotoWorld:

Graham, coming off a high ankle sprain with ligament damage, reportedly went through drills at “full speed” Tuesday. He didn’t need surgery, but it took him six months to recover.

Good to see Graham back in action after suffering a fantasy crushing ankle injury during the 2008 season. Unfortunately, however, the older-than-expected running back has been replaced this offseason by Giants’ cast-off Derrick Ward.

Expect to see Graham on the field in 2009 as a complementary back and/or full back to Ward, who will get his shot to be the feature back in the Tampa Bay offense. Graham’s fantasy value, as of right now, is soley based on his handcuff status with Ward. Personally, I would not even bother handcuffing the Tampa Bay backfield.

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.