Now that the preseason has been reduced to three games (better than four, but not as good as the Canadian Football League's two) it's easier to pretend each one means something. I still can't bring myself to watch them, since the results don't matter and any "news" will be readily-available minutes after it happens. But I do pay attention to what doesn't happen and who doesn't play, and I think there are fantasy implications to those (non) events.

If you had any doubt about Jonathan Taylor's importance in the Colts' offense, the fact that he'll play exactly zero snaps is a great sign for those who are taking him first overall. Indianapolis has determined that nothing happening in August is worth putting him on the field, so barring injury, Taylor gets fast-tracked to week 1.

On the other hand, Ezekiel Elliott has been given the same pass on pretend games, but for different reasons. Taylor's career is on the upside, while Elliott is an overworked 27-year-old running back who managed to start every game last season. Unfortunately, his yardage totals in those 17 games were similar to the ones a few years ago when he only started 10. His production is dropping, and despite scoring a dozen times in 2021, the wheels might be close to falling off. They want to save any remaining tread on those tires, so he’s out until the games count. I'd almost rather see him looking spry and strong for a couple series in August than just take Jerry's word for it that Elliott is still the focal point of the offense. Personally, I'm high on Taylor and cool on Elliott (like many folks, so no surprise there) and their preseason absences only reinforce those feelings.

Tom Brady's absence is a different story. The Buccaneers have a ton of offensive weapons and play in a division where Baker Mayfield might be the most fearsome quarterback they'll face twice, and he doesn't even have the starting job yet. Things should be looking great in Tampa, even without Rob Gronkowski.

But the announcement that Brady was taking some PTO (like he works in an office cubicle) means that he's out of the first two preseason games at least. His absence has me concerned for the entire team and the entire season. This is a high-powered offense that will draw many early picks from fantasy managers, and those guys will be expected to carry their weight starting in week 1. But since his kinda-retirement, you get the feeling that his heart might not be in it this year. The head coach also retired abruptly amid reports that the pair didn't get along great in their two years together. Oh, and Brady is 45 years old. I wasn't expecting Brady's name to be prominent in the early preseason games, but being away from the team is concerning. I’m not feeling great about those players now.

Elijah Mitchell's absence from the 49ers' preseason is also concerning, thanks to a hamstring injury. With a new starting quarterback, I'd like to see them build some chemistry together before the games count. That won't happen in August, and it makes selecting him for work in September a bit riskier.

Not all players missing fake games should generate concern, of course. Nobody cares if Aaron Rodgers plays a preseason snap, and if Sean McVay is trotting you out in August, you're not what the Rams consider essential personnel. But sometimes not playing says more than actually playing. I guess it's nice that Blaine Gabbert and Kyle Trask played well for the Buccaneers, but the team isn't going anywhere without Brady. Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett went 13/15 with two touchdowns in the second half of the first preseason game. Read the last part of that sentence again if you think those numbers mean anything. Maybe the most noteworthy things in the preseason are the ones that don't happen.

I think that's the takeaway for those with drafts coming up shortly. Pay as much (or more) attention who isn't playing, and why. Don’t get caught up in what you actually see on the field. Ignore gaudy numbers and highlights. Ask yourself why they’re playing where they are (when the starters are on the sideline) or playing at all. At least you’ll have some perspective to go along with the glorified practices, and that might help you on draft day.

Does a player missing the preseason affect where you’d select them? Would you rather see them in action, or are you happy to see them not risk injury? How much stock do you put into the performances? Share your thoughts below.