NFL offseason programs are getting underway around the league, which means workouts, a fair amount of sweat and of course, injuries. Thus far, there have been no major injuries sustained during said offseason programs, but there are quite a few names popping up who are already dealing with injuries coming into the program. We’re going to talk about some of them below:
NFL injury round-up: Cam Newton, Carl Nicks not ready to work out
Teams are beginning their offseason workout programs and we’re getting plenty of injury updates for some of the big names around the league.
Ronald Martinez
Eli Manning wearing a boot
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has a lot of criticism to overcome this season. This is the first year we've heard talk of him potentially being on the decline. He's got a long way to go until we get to the actual season where he can prove everyone wrong but for now, he'll be limited in practice thanks to a boot on his left foot.
Manning has started 151 consecutive regular-season games, but his arthroscopic procedure to help repair a high left ankle sprain marks the first surgery of his NFL career. He should be plenty recovered by the time training camp rolls around, though.
10 Years Later
E.J. Manuel a full participant
Buffalo Bills quarterback E.J. Manuel was a full participant in day one of the offseason workout program, according to Mike Rodak of ESPN. Manuel missed the final two games of last season with a sprained LCL in his left knee, and underwent surgery to repair the damaged joint in January. According to Rodak, Manuel took part in the entire portion of Tuesday's workouts that were open to reporters. He's set as the starter going forward.
Chiefs give full update on injuries
The Kansas City Chiefs got back to work on Monday, and head coach Andy Reid gave a full rundown on the team's injury situation. Left tackle Eric Fisher had shoulder surgery and has a sports hernia, but Reid said that Fisher is "doing very well." Running back Knile Davis sustained a broken leg in the Chiefs' playoff game last season. Safety Sanders Commings, linebackers Dezman Moses and James-Michael Johnson and tight ends Demetrius Harris and Travis Kelce all have minor injuries as well. Reid hasn't told us to which degrees these players are conducting workouts, though.
Carl Nicks not ready for minicamp
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Carl Nicks said that he won't participate in the early stages of the team's offseason workout program, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Nicks had to undergo surgery due to a recurrence of MRSA -- also known as staph -- and is still recovering from the surgery. He missed a lot of time last season, and it hurt the Buccaneers big-time. When healthy, he's among the top interior linemen in the NFL, but he's got a long way to go. Nicks did say he hopes to be ready by training camp.
Julio Jones limited in workouts
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones will be limited in offseason workouts, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN. It sounds like Jones has his medical clearance for all the activities required, but that the Falcons want to closely monitor the prolific receiver's status. Jones injured his foot in Week 5 last season and missed the rest of the season. He had surgery on the foot and his rehab has suffered no setbacks to this point. This early in the workout process, playing it safe is always better given how far away the actual competition is.
RGIII appears to be healthy
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III dominated the headlines throughout the offseason last year thanks to his recovery from major knee injuries. The story of whether or not Griffin would be ready for the beginning of the season was one of the biggest of the offseason. He did end up starting in Week 1, but his play was noticeably lacking and he did not appear comfortable. But after completing what Redskins.com called a "rigorous six-day workout" with Terry Shea in Arizona, Griffin appears to be 100 percent heading into Washington's offseason program.
Sam Bradford, Jake Long limited to start
Quarterback Sam Bradford is far enough along in his recovery to be participating in the early stages of the offseason workout program. However, he's going to be limited, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Bradford has another season to prove his value for the Rams, which means they're going to take it as slow as possible. Jake Long will also take part in the offseason program, but he's a few weeks behind Bradford's recovery.
Tony Romo good to go
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo had back surgery this offseason, but it looks like he's ready to go. Romo should be fully recovered and will be a full participant in the offseason workout programs. Dallas gave Romo a huge contract last season and the Cowboys expect him to lead them to the playoffs sooner rather than later. His back surgery was considered minor.
Cam Newton will be out until training camp
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is around during the beginning of Carolina's voluntary offseason program, but he's unable to participate. He's recovering from ankle surgery performed on March 19, and he seems to be on schedule for his recovery. That recovery will keep him out of these early workouts and other early minicamps as well, unfortunately. Newton is targeting a return for the start of training camp in July.
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