NFL training camps are starting this week, and for many fans, it’s the first sign the season is truly on its way.

Now for the reality check: The season isn’t starting for 45 days.

Still, after a slow summer (Michael Vick notwithstanding), the start of training camp means the start of the preseason, which leads to the start of the season. After weeks of little news, there will be plenty for your favorite team and the rest of the league, just about every day for the rest of the summer.

From a fantasy standpoint, there is much work to be done in the preseason, besides getting ready for the draft. Pay attention to:

– Injuries. Some key fanatasy players inevitably get dinged up in the preseason; know who’s hurting and how long they will be sidelined before your draft.

– Cuts. There’s always a few minor name players who are released before Week 1. Don’t accidentally draft one because you weren’t paying attention to the coming weeks’ NFL news.

– Starting job battles. I’m anointing this the “Ron Dayne Proviso” after a somewhat resurgent Dayne was slated for big things in the Broncos’ backfield last year, then dropped off the depth chart and was eventually traded. Not just starters, but important backups that might produce fantasy stats (like a third receiver). Teams’ running backs and receivers seem to have the most flux; there aren’t many QB battles this year, however (and you’d likely not draft a QB who wins such a battle anyway). Also, beware of the shaky kicker who might get replaced over the coming weeks.

– RBBCs. Also known as the Running Back by Committee, the situation where two running backs share the bulk of the carries. Along the lines of a starting job battle, keep tabs if an RBBC becomes less by committee as the preseason progresses.

– Rookies. Look not only for how the newcomers do in the preseason, but also when they sign. Long holdouts likely won’t make much of an impact early in the season.