The Baltimore Ravens already have their first major injury of the 2008 NFL season. Quinn Sypniewski, a backup tight end, was lost for the season after tearing a knee ligament in minicamp. Sypniewski will need approximately nine months to fully heal.

During the 2007 season, Sypniewski played a larger than expected role due to starter Todd Heap struggling with injuries for most of the season. Sypniewski ended the season with 246 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The 6-foot-6 tight end out of the University of Colorado had his best game in Week 11 when he had six catches for 53 yards.

For the 2008 season, the Ravens will have to hope that Heap can remain healthy. Expect Daniel Wilcox to be the backup at tight end and for Sypniewski to be placed on IR. The Ravens did not draft a tight end in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Quinn Sypniewski, Baltimore Ravens

Photo: Newscom

Here are NFL players who were injured in 2007 who could potentially return in grand fashion for the 2008 fantasy football season.

QB Jake Delhomme, Carolina Panthers
After playing great to begin the season, Delhomme got hurt in the season’s third game against the Atlanta Falcons. Delhomme’s elbow injury eventually required surgery and he was out for the rest of the year. Although the sample size was small, his production in 2007 was great. He had eight touchdowns, one interception and a quarterback rating of more than 110. Delhomme should get a chance to start again in 2008 and could put up big stats.

RB Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins
When Ronnie Brown went out with a knee injury, he was one of the best running backs in all of fantasy football. As long as the Dolphins don’t draft Darren McFadden, there’s a good chance Brown will be the man to carry the ball in 2008. In 2007, he played in seven games and had seven touchdowns and yards per carry average over five.

WR Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts
The always dependable Marvin Harrison wasn’t dependable in 2007. In fact, his knee injury sidelined him from Week 8 all the way until the playoffs. Although Harrison is getting up there in age, he should bounce back with a solid 2008 fantasy football season if he can get healthy. With the chips on the line, Peyton Manning likely trusts Harrison more than any receiver on his squad.

TE Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens
Todd Heap was a huge disappointment in fantasy football last season. He had only one touchdown and less than 250 yards. The biggest culprit was injury. He battled a lingering hamstring issue that forced him to miss the last six games of the season. There’s no way that he does any worse in 2008.

QB Jeff Garcia, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Garcia is questionable heading into Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints. If he plays, he’s actually a good start against the Saints’ porous defense. In addition, Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard become startable. If Garcia doesn’t play, that means either Bruce Gradkowski or Luke McCown gets the nod. If either of those quarterbacks get on the field, it’s probably best to bench everyone on offense for the Bucs.

RB Travis Henry, Denver Broncos - The Broncos are playing the Oakland Raiders this week. If you haven’t been paying attention, the Raiders are an atrocious defensive squad against the run. Whoever starts for the Broncos is a good start. Right now it looks like it could be Henry but if he misses the game due to injury, Selvin Young is next in line.

WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals - Fitzgerald is questionable for Week 13 with a groin injury. If he isn’t able to suit up versus the Cleveland Browns, all of a sudden Bryant Johnson becomes a good start in his place. Anquan Boldin would also be upgraded against the weak Browns defense. Obviously, Kurt Warner’s value will be higher if Fitzgerald plays, but either way he’s a good start.

TE Todd Heap, Baltimore Ravens - Heap has been plagued for most of the year with a hamstring injury. He’s questionable this week against the New England Patriots on Monday night, so he’s a highly risky play. Even if he were probable, it’d be best to stay away. Heap shouldn’t be started in fantasy football again until he proves he’s capable of playing an entire game.