Training Camp Notes: Several Big Names Nursing Hamstring Injuries
Published on July 28, 2014
- Upon reporting some soreness in his right hamstring Monday morning, Pierre Garcon was lifted from practice, but both he and coach Jay Gruden downplayed the severity of the issue. Evidently, Garcon just felt it would be wise not to push it this early in camp, and it sounds like he has a chance to be on the field when the Redskins resume practice Wednesday. The league leader in targets last season with 184, Garcon will be hard-pressed to match that number in 2014 with DeSean Jackson now in town, but his efficiency (11.9 YPR) should improve with Gruden calling the plays and RGIII back under center.
- Three practices into training camp and 33-year-old Andre Johnson is already dealing with a hamstring issue. Johnson, who's entering his 12th season with the Texans, tweaked his right hamstring while making a diving catch Monday, but he said he was just "a little tight" and quickly labeled his removal from practice as precautionary. Likewise, coach Bill O'Brien did not seem concerned about the injury, and there's been nothing to suggest Johnson is any worse than day-to-day. The right hamstring has presented issues for Johnson in the past, however, and while he is still Houston's top receiving option, the team did little to improve its quarterback situation in the offseason, moving from Matt Schaub to Ryan Fitzpatrick.
- Le'Veon Bell was forced from Sunday's practice due to a bout of hamstring tightness, and he later revealed that he had been bothered by the injury for several days prior. The second-year back was not present at Monday's practice, but there has been no indication that it's a major concern, so it seems the Steelers are just trying to get out ahead of the issue. Until Bell returns to practice, LeGarrette Blount and Dri Archer will likely both see some first-team reps.
- An MRI was ordered on Kelvin Benjamin's ailing left knee Monday, and while the exam did reveal a bone bruise, his knee was found to be structurally sound. Benjamin, the 28th overall pick in this year's draft, suffered the injury when he collided with a teammate during Sunday's practice. At this point, it doesn't seem like something that could jeopardize Benjamin's Week 1 availability, but it's a harsh reminder that Cam Newton could have to rely on the likes of Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood should Benjamin miss regular-season time.
- Although Alshon Jeffery did not finish Monday's practice due to a sore foot, he said he would be "all right" and was even seen catching passes along the sideline as the session continued. In just his second season in the league, Jeffery finished sixth in receiving with 1,421 yards on 89 receptions, and he touched pay dirt seven times. Assuming the foot injury is no worse than the team is letting on, Jeffery should be in line for another big year in 2014, with Brandon Marshall still commanding his share of double teams on the opposite side.
- After a nearly nine-month recovery from surgery to repair a torn ACL and a torn meniscus, Reggie Wayne was back on the practice field Sunday, catching passes in a red-zone drill. He had the knee wrapped in ice afterward as a precaution, but it does not appear as though Wayne will have any major restrictions early on. That said, the 35-year-old may not play much during the exhibition season.
- The preseason kicks off Sunday with the annual Hall of Fame Game, and Eli Manning expects to take the field for the Giants. Now more than 15 weeks removed from arthroscopic ankle surgery, Manning will likely only be in there for a series or two, assuming coach Tom Coughlin signs off on him playing. Coughlin said he won't make an official decision until after Thursday's practice.
- Rod Streater suffered a head injury in the Raiders' first padded practice of training camp Sunday, and coach Dennis Allen relayed Monday that Streater was indeed diagnosed with a concussion. The team's leading receiver from a season ago, Streater is slated to open 2014 as a starter, though he could see increased run in the slot with Denarius Moore possibly seeing time on the outside opposite James Jones. Fellow Oakland wideouts Greg Little and Juron Criner are both nursing hamstring injuries.
