The Arizona Cardinals were "very, very, very surprised" to find that rookie wide receiver Ryan Swope had to be held out of minicamp due to lingering concussion issues, according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com. Arizona head coach Bruce Arians said the team did not expect to hear that Swope's medical clearance was going to be an issue at this point.
Cardinals surprised Ryan Swope had to miss practice due to prior concussion
Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Ryan Swope hasn’t received medical clearance for the concussion he suffered in college.
USA TODAY Sports
Swope suffered two documented concussions in college, and hasn’t received medical clearance for any strenuous football activities since that point. He hasn’t been able to participate in anything beyond the introductory rookie minicamp, and possible clearance for the regular season, let alone training camp in July, may or may not be coming.
Arians said that all of the rookies have been impressive, and that Swope is the only player he's worried about. Concussions are being taken more and more seriously in the NFL, with players such as Jahvid Best of the Detroit Lions missing entire seasons due to a prior concussion. Best still has not been cleared for a return to football.
If Swope ends up getting his clearance, he figures to have a solid chance at earning playing time early on. He was a sixth-round pick this season, but had a productive college career, with 3,117 yards and 24 touchdowns before making it to the NFL. On top of that, the Cardinals have been on the lookout for a receiver to pair with Larry Fitzgerald for some time. He jut has to get that medical clearance.
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