Just because the work is supposed to begin for each team’s current 90-men rosters in training camp, doesn’t mean everyone is prepared to participate. Saturday, the Arizona Cardinals announced that six of their players will open camp on the physically unable to perform list. For the Baltimore Ravens, the list is short at just Alex Lewis, but considering he’s their starting left guard, it’s still significant.
Lewis went under the knife back in January to repair an injured shoulder and has been rehabbing all offseason. He was a fourth-round pick back in 2016 and started eight games his rookie season. A torn labrum cost him all of 2017. Last year, the former Nebraska offensive lineman started 10 games.
Ravens placed LG Alex Lewis on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Lewis, who has started 18 games over the last two seasons, had shoulder surgery in January and hasn't participated in any practices this offseason. Jermaine Elumunor has been working with first team.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 20, 2019
With Lewis, the presumptive starter sidelined, the opportunity has arisen for Jermaine Eluemunor, who’s played with the first team through organized team activities. Eluemunor was a fifth round pick in the 2017 draft out of Texas A&M. He’s started three total games for Baltimore in the last two years.
In other Baltimore moves, they placed defensive tackle Michael Pierce to the non-football injury list and removed wide receiver Jaylen Smith in a corresponding move.
Arizona Cardinals sit six as camp opens
If former 2016 first round pick Robert Nkemdiche is going to find a place on new Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s defense, he’s going to have to find away to get back on the field ASAP.
Nkemdiche was one of six Cardinals assigned to the PUP list Saturday, along with linebackers Dante Booker and Brooks Reed, cornerback Brandon Williams, tight end Charles Clay an offensive lineman Max Garcia.
The #AZCardinals placed 6 players on the PUP list to begin camp: LB Dante Booker (back), TE Charles Clay (knee), OL Max Garcia (knee), DL Robert Nkemdiche (knee), LB Brooks Reed (hip), CB Brandon Williams (back).
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 20, 2019
The PUP list isn’t Nkemdiche’s only problem heading into camp. He was busted for driving with a suspended license and an outstanding warrant a month ago. The former Ole Miss star is rocketing toward draft bust status, having started just six games in his three seasons and appearing in 27 out of a possible 48 possible contests.
Last year Nkemdiche recorded 32 tackles, nine for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defended. It was his best season as a pro by far.
With the extra reps on the field available, Arizona signed defensive lineman Sterling Bailey and cut offensive tackle Will Holden.
