Keary

Colbert

Colbert has worked the major college football landscape over the last 10 years, starting at Georgia State as a wideouts coach, then working as an analyst at Alabama, then spending a long stint at USC in a number of roles including wideouts coach before heading to Florida last offseason. This will be his first NFL stint as a coach.

Colbert wasn’t active on Monday night, but he was one of the best receivers in the league during the preseason. We’ve pumped the USC all-time leading receiver up since draft day because of his toughness and ball skills. He’s worth grabbing in nearly all leagues.

''That’s where he is on the depth chart now,’' Fox said. ''They’re competing. He’s proven a year ago that we can trust him. He’s a guy we’re counting on and we feel good about, so we’re anxious to get him back.’'

There is a chance he will play this weekend in Carolina’s preseason opener. Coach John Fox once again said, He’s a guy we are counting on.’'

He’s been out almost a week. It’s been a poor camp for Colbert’s fantasy value. With Rod Gardner on the team, he needs to get back on the field as soon as possible.

Although Colbert was back working with the first team in practice, Panthers head coach John Fox hinted that Colbert probably would not play in Saturday night’s preseason opener against the Washington Redskins.

A statement to Rod Gardner? Colbert made an impressive leaping catch that dispelled any injury concerns. He’ll be the team’s starter and remains one of our very favorite values at wideout.

After a great rookie season, Colbert was slowed by ankle injury throughout 2005. “He is 100 percent quicker and stronger than he was last year,” offensive coordinator Dan Henning said. Colbert will still need an injury to Steve Smith or Keyshawn Johnson to have any fantasy value.

He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his ankle in March, so he may not be fully healthy. Still, it’s a positive sign for Colbert, who will battle Drew Carter for the No. 3 receiver role in Carolina. He shouldn’t have fantasy value this season unless Steve Smith or Keyshawn Johnson are injured.

Colbert refuses to blame his 2005 season on his bum ankle injury. “If you can walk, you can run, you can play. That’s it,” Colbert said. That attitude, in addition to his impressive rookie season, makes Colbert the favorite to be Carolina’s No. 3 receiver. He is currently running ahead of Drew Carter.