Training Camp Notes: David Wilson Aggravates Neck Injury & Possible Josh Gordon Vindication
Published on July 29, 2014
- A concerning scene developed in East Rutherford, New Jersey Tuesday afternoon, as running back David Wilson had to leave Giants practice with what the team is currently calling a "burner." The fear is that the 23-year-old aggravated the same neck injury that cost him 11 games in 2013 after undergoing season-ending surgery. Wilson had just been cleared for full contact last week, but the injury occurred when he ran into the back of an offensive lineman during what was supposed to be a non-contact drill. Considering the nature of the situation, the Giants will likely exercise extreme caution with respect to Wilson's return to the practice field. Depending on the results of the tests, his availability for the regular season may even come into question.
- With Wilson's status uncertain, Rashad Jennings will tighten his grip on his role as the Giant's primary running back, while veteran Peyton Hillis and rookie Andre Williams could receive additional opportunities. Williams is the more intriguing option of the two after putting up video game-like numbers during his senior season at Boston College, and could warrant fantasy consideration as a late-round sleeper in deeper formats.
- New Texans coach Bill O'Brien was without his two main offensive weapons on the practice field Tuesday, as Arian Foster (leg) and Andre Johnson (hamstring) both sat out with their respective ailments. Neither is expected to cause a prolonged absence, however, so both should be back in action in short order. Andre Brown took first-team reps in place of Foster, while Keshawn Martin and DeVier Posey should both see additional chances with Johnson on the shelf.
- In addition to Andre Johnson, receivers Odell Beckham of the Giants and Mike Wallace of the Dolphins are day-to-day with minor hamstring injuries. Barring any setbacks, all three should be back on the practice field within roughly a week's time.
- Stephen Jackson made an early exit from Falcons practice with a left hamstring injury, but the team doesn't appear to be overly concerned just yet. Coach Mike Smith expects him to be ready by Week 1, although it is worth noting that the current ailment is similar to the injury that cost him four games of the 2013 season. Both Jacquizz Rodgers and Devonta Freeman expect to challenge Jackson for carries in his age-31 season, and the fact that the veteran is banged up yet again further helps their chances of achieving fantasy relevance in 2014. For those in dynasty formats, Freeman owns additional value as the eventual favorite to supplant Jackson.
- On August 1, Browns receiver Josh Gordon is scheduled to have a hearing with NFL officials to appeal his prospective year-long ban for failing another drug test. Details of Gordon's defense plan began to emerge Tuesday, as his attorneys will argue that second-hand marijuana smoke caused the positive results. Apparently, his first sample tested one nanogram per milliliter over the allowed threshold, while his second sample recorded a result inconsistent with the first. Based on this new development, the chances of the third-year receiver winning his appeal (or at least having the suspension reduced) are starting to look more promising. If Gordon is vindicated, last year's leader in receiving yards should be a top-5 wideout off the board in nearly every format. Until an announcement is released, however, the Browns will continue to prepare as if they will be without his services for the better part of 2014.
- Conflicting reports emerged Tuesday regarding Titans running back Shonn Greene, who did not participate in team drills during the morning's practice. At first it was thought that he suffered a setback in his recovery from a recent knee scope, but it was later revealed that he was simply being given a routine maintenance day. The Titans have a day off Wednesday, so Greene will continue his battle for the starting running back job with rookie Bishop Sankey on Thursday.
- Andre Ellington was absent from Cardinals practice Tuesday due to a minor neck injury, but the team expects him to be healthy enough to return to practice Wednesday. Stepfan Taylor and Jonathan Dwyer saw additional reps as a result, but Ellington should see most of the first-team work once he's back in action. The 25-year-old showed flashes of explosiveness last season, and continues to gain steam as a top-20 fantasy back in the coming season.
