Each season, right around this time, a number players are put on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, making them ineligible to play in regular season games until Week 7. The writing is typically on the wall during training camp for these injured players, so their names don’t come as a huge surprise. Fortunately for fantasy owners, they also should have much impact, if any, on their teams this season.

Tampa Bay running back Cadillac Williams was the most significant player on the PUP list, but his inclusion doesn’t come as a surprise. Because of his lengthy rehabilitation from a PCL tear he suffered last season, 2007 dynamo Earnest Graham has been an early draft pick as the Bucs’ top running back. No fantasy owners were expecting contributions from Williams until midseason, regardless of his official standing with the NFL league office.

Cleveland Browns wideout had some fantasy potential, but would never be more than a No. 5 wide receiver in most formats. New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree made a lasting impression with his fourth-down, off-the-helmet catch in the Super Bowl, but is virtually irrelevant in fantasy circles.

Other players - like Patriots lineman Stephen Neal and Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson - can have indirect effects on fantasy rosters. Any sign that Pats quarterback Tom Brady could have less protection, especially when seeing in the Super Bowl how pressure can affect his performance, is something to keep in mind, but shouldn’t have an impact on draft strategy. Robinson’s injury only comes into play for owners considering drafting the Texans’ defense, which is a rare occurrence.

Any player placed on the PUP list between now and the season opener must miss at least the first six weeks of the season. A handful of players, most notably Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, were placed on the PUP list in the early part of camp, but were later removed. Keep close watch on more injuries and roster moves, as relevant players can still be ruled out for the first six weeks of the season.

Other roster moves …
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive end Derrick Harvey has finally agreed to a five-year deal and will report to training camp after a 33-day holdout, the Associated Press reported. After the holdout, it will take a little more time than anticipated to see how the rookie pass-rushing duo of Harvey and Quentin Groves can impact the Jags’ defense. Nonetheless, the Jags are still a fringe No. 1 fantasy defense that could be even better of Harvey and Groves can quickly claim significant roles.

Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan has announced that he will stay retired and not return to New York in the absence of injured Osi Umenyiora, New York Newsday reported. It was an interesting possibility, but quickly shot down by Strahan who pondered a Giants offer and elected to maintain his post as a broadcaster for FOX Sports.

The strength of the Giants’ team defense in fantasy was its ability to get to the passer. That may not change with the report that Mathias Kiwanuka will move from linebacker to fill in for Umenyiora at right end. The depth issues were then transferred to the linebacking corps, which should feature a trio of Zak DeOssie, Antonio Pierce and Danny Clark.

San Diego Chargers defensive end Shawne Merriman is awaiting yet another opinion on his left knee, which he claims could threaten his career, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported. The Chargers seem to be ready to move ahead without Merriman and are just awaiting some closure. Whether the Chargers are ready or not, the reputed Chargers defense will have less firepower in fantasy without Merriman’s ability to rush the passer.

Denver wide receiver Brandon Marshall appears to be doing all the right things in an effort to get his three-game suspension for off-the-field issues reduced. According to the Denver Post, he was in New York for an appeal hearing with league officials on Tuesday.

With just 16 games in an NFL season, every, single game counts in fantasy. If the supremely talented Marshall can get on the field for 14 games, rather than 13, his stock should be on the rise. Most fantasy owners will bypass Marshall and Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith, who was suspended for a training camp fight, because of their early absences. Both can be drafted in great position for value, if teams are deep enough at wide receiver to get through the first two weeks of the year.