Notable players are out due to injury

With the NFL season about to begin, avid fantasy players are starting to prepare, scouring training camp videos, press releases and injury reports to gain an edge over their league counterparts before the draft. Injuries are, of course, the biggest concern. Nothing ruins a fantasy season more than drafting four players who won't play until Week 8.

Even if you're not into fantasy, following injury reports can help you understand what to expect from your favorite team early in the season.

The best way to keep track of injuries is during the preseason. While star players may sit out to rest for the regular season, their teams still need to note their injuries on their weekly reports throughout the week. With the season starting in just over two weeks, players who may have previously been injured may need to get some more practice in against live competition to get back into the swing of things before the games really matter.