Injured Players to Watch for in OTAs
With several teams OTAs either underway or just starting up, the injury watch list is in full swing. Fans and media alike are clamoring to get the latest on their favorite star players’ injury update amidst a long, dragged out offseason. Here’s the latest on some key names heading into OTA season.
Derek Carr
From what the Raiders are putting out, Carr’s finger injury shouldn’t be something to sweat over. While the second-year quarterback will miss much of the Raiders OTAs after he suffered an injury to his right ring finger, but team officials are insisting it is minor and wont require surgery. Carr’s agent also came to his clients rescue saying “I don’t even want to call it an injury, is very minor, and we’re just being cautious.”
Sam Bradford
Eagles
There’s a full-on Bradford-Watch as OTAs begin at the Nova Care Complex in South Philadelphia. In the first official picture of Bradford in an Eagles uniform, fans were quick to point out the QB’s pencil-like legs. Chip Kelly’s tenure in Philadelphia rests on those pencil legs, so keep an eye out on Bradford’s progression this offseason post-knee surgery. While his new teammates rave about his arm-strength and accuracy in offseason workout drills. The Eagles will sure to be cautious with Bradford to avoid any unnecessary injury prior to the season.
Victor Cruz
Seven months after suffering a horrific leg injury in Philadelphia, the Giants receiver says he’s running at about 75%. We got [to cutting],” Cruz told reporters prior to a charity event in Manhattan Tuesday. “We started running some intermediate routes on air and stuff like that. It’s feeling good. It’s feeling good so far. I think I’m 75-80 percent right now. It’s just a matter of building it.” While he isn’t expected to be fully ready by Giants OTAs, he anticipates being available during training camp later this summer.
Carson Palmer
Palmer participated in individual and 7-on-7 drill Tuesday, but the extent of that participation is not fully known. The 35-year old quarterback suffered his second career ACL tear just days after signing a lucrative contract extension with the Cardinals. While Head Coach Bruce Arians doesn’t expect Palmer to participate in 11-11 drills until training camp, Palmer is reportedly itching to stay on the field at OTAs.