It’s all but unavoidable, but it doesn’t make the sting hurt any less. Week One of the NFL training camp season has kept team’s injury reports full, with guys who could have been major factors this season already out for significant time.
Friday Detroit Lions tight end Eric Ebron went down during a scrimmage with what witnesses are calling a “devastating leg injury.” Ebron spent a significant time on the ground holding the back of his right leg above the ankle before being removed from the practice field by cart. The NFL Network reported that Ebron suffered an Achilles injury, but there’s some hope at least that it’s not serious.
#Lions TE Eric Ebron, who suffered an Achilles injury today, has indicated to at least two teammates that he’s OK… So could be minor.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2016
Last year Ebron caught 47 passes for 537 yards and five touchdowns. He was a first round pick out of North Carolina in 2014.
With Calvin Johnson retiring there was every reason to believe Ebron was on his way to a breakout season in the seam in the Lions’ pass-happy offense. Now if they get him on the field at all they’ll be grateful.
As replacements go, the Lions might not really have him on the roster, but Owen Daniels, fresh from the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl team, is still available as a free agent. Don’t be surprised to see him get a call.
Hronis Grasu of the Chicago Bears tore his ACL last week, as did San Francisco 49ers tight end Eric Rogers. Grasu was slated as the Bears’ starting center this season, so now that position is in flux. Rogers, a former Canadian Football League standout, was fighting for a roster spot in San Francisco and his injury will likely cost him a job in the NFL.
The Buffalo Bills can’t catch a break with their 2016 draft selections. Just a few weeks after finding out that first-round pick Shaq Lawson could miss the season while recovering from shoulder surgery, second-round pick Reggie Ragland went down in practice with a non-contact knee injury.
#Bills LB Reggie Ragland, who injured his knee, had an inconclusive MRI, source said. He's seeing more docs and getting 2nd opinion Monday.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2016
Ragland’s first MRI on the knee was inconclusive, but he’s going for a second opinion this week. In the wake of his injury, the Bills went to the rolodex and signed inside linebacker Brandon Spikes, who starred for the Bills just a few seasons ago. They added journeyman linebacker David Hawthorne too.
Couldn’t be happier 2 join D @buffalobills 4 a 2nd chance This career n opportunity means everythin 2 me #billsmafia pic.twitter.com/HieQ8Iv0Vv
— BrandonSpikes55 (@brandonspikes55) August 7, 2016
The Philadelphia Eagles saw two players go down with injuries this week. Left tackle Jason Peters injured his quadraceps early in the week and safety Malcolm Jenkins injured his hamstring. The Eagles have been tight-lipped about the severity of the injuries, which usually is a good sign in cases like this.
The Ravens lost third-round pick Bronson Kaufusi for the season Thursday after he went down with a broken ankle. Kaufusi was caught under a teammate during a drill. Last season as a senior at Brigham Young Kaufisi recorded 10 sacks, 57 tackles and a pick. He was sitting third on the defensive end depth chart for Baltimore when he was injured.
Harbaugh on Bronson Kaufusi: "I assume he'll be out for the year." https://t.co/tzgR8T1gjn
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 4, 2016
The Bengals got bad news on first round pick William Jackson. The former University of Houston cornerback tore a pectoral muscle and will need to get it surgically repaired. There’s a chance he’ll miss most, if not all, of the 2016 season. Jackson had 43 tackles, 1.5 for a loss, five interceptions, one fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns for the Cougars last year.
Cincinnati also saw tight end Tyler Kroft and safety Shawn Williams go down with injuries. Kroft hyper-extended his knee and Williams left practice with an unknown injury.
San Diego lost wide receiver Stevie Johnson to an injured knee last week. Johnson tore his meniscus during practice and will need surgery to repair it. He could come back before the season is over, but the Chargers wasted no time bringing in a body to replace him. San Diego signed former Green Bay Packers wideout James Jones Monday.
Jumpin' James Jones! #ChargersCamp pic.twitter.com/a3wb9vGHzy
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 4, 2016
Last year Johnson played in 10 games for the Chargers, catching 45 passes for 497 yards and three touchdowns. Jones played in all 16 games with the Packers, hauling in 50 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns.
