Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey is expected to be ready for the teams season opener following a right knee injury suffered in minicamp.
In back to back years the Jaguars lost their first round draft pick to an early knee injury. Last year third overall pick Dante Fowler Jr tore his ACL on the first day of practice and missed the entire season.
Last week fifth overall pick Jalen Ramsey suffered a small tear to the meniscus in his right knee.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter Ramsey is meeting with world-renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrew this week to determine the best course of action. Surgery is to be expected, but the rookie is not expected to miss a large amount of time.
Dr. Andrews is the go-to surgeon for many pro athletes that have suffered ligament injuries, primarily ACL’s in football and UCL’s (Tommy John) in baseball.
Jalen Ramsey scheduled to meet Dr. Andrews this week. Surgery likely, but team believes, as of now, he'll be back before opener vs. Packers.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 22, 2016
Coming out of Florida State in 2016 Jalen Ramsey was widely considered the most NFL ready prospect in the NFL Draft. Versatile enough to play either safety or cornerback, Ramsey shutdown receivers throughout his collegiate career.
Now he is tasked with facing receivers such as DeAndre Hopkins and T.Y. Hilton twice a year.
A laughing-stock in the NFL over recent years, the Jaguars finally seem to be on track. The offense is being powered by Blake Bortles, Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, and TJ Yeldon.
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The additions of Chris Ivory and Julius Thomas over the past two free agency periods gives a young team some solid veteran presence both on the field and in the locker room.
Defensively the Jaguars continued to struggle in 2016. With the return of Dante Fowler and the acquisition of rookies Ramsey, Myles Jack, Sheldon Day, and Yannick Ngakoue the Jaguars are expected to have a young core to build around on defense.
The Jaguars will open their 2016 season at home against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.