Ultimate fantasy source: football.

PLAY ACTION

by ROB HURTT

Anyone who drafted Michael Vick and then watched him get hurt knows the impact injuries can have on a fantasy team. A look at five preseason injuries that have fantasy owners crossing their fingers.

Marshall Faulk, Rams. It wouldn't be August in St. Louis without unbearable humidity and Faulk watching games from the sideline. Faulk's knee soreness shouldn't be any more troubling than the fact that he's a 30-year-old running back with a lot of mileage and missed time over the past three seasons.

Jeff Garcia, 49ers. Everything was aligned for Garcia to throw for 30-plus touchdowns for the third time in four years--until back problems surfaced. He missed considerable time in camp, and his overthrown deep balls indicate it will take time to return to form. Savvy owners will grab Garcia at a bargain draft spot.

Terrell Owens, 49ers. He's in a contract year. A sore groin won't keep him from playing for a big paycheck, but it will keep him out of preseason games. When the season starts, Owens again will be dancing in the end zone.

Jeremy Shockey, Giants. Tender ribs are great at a barbecue, but not in the NFL. Shockey's broken rib won't keep him from playing in the regular season, but it might help defenders control him for the first few weeks. Shockey hasn't lost his spot among the league's top three tight ends, but now it is tougher to validate taking him as the top one.