Category: Injuries

2024 NFL draft: Washington OT Troy Fautanu has medical flag

However, there’s a late flag regarding Fautanu’s health.

One of the prospects who has been most frequently connected with the Seahawks has been Washington left tackle Troy Fautanu. He is by far the most popular mock draft pick at No. 16 overall and at least in theory would fit in like a glove with Ryan Grubb and Scott Huff, who he worked with the last two seasons.

However, there’s a late flag regarding Fautanu’s health. According to Albert Breer at Sports Illustrated, Fautanu has a knee issue that could affect his longevity in the NFL:

“Washington OT Troy Fautanu’s knee was flagged. That one was described to me as the sort of issue that shouldn’t be a problem in the short term, but could wind up impacting his longevity in the pros…”

This is pretty far from ideal, especially considering that Seattle’s starting right tackle Abe Lucas has a long-term knee problem of his own that kept him on the sidelines for 11 games last season.

Fautanu is still an excellent prospect overall and a great fit for what Seattle wants to do, but this could be disqualifying – especially considering the depth at offensive tackle in this draft class there’s no need to roll the dice on a prospect with a medical red flag.

More Seahawks Wire stories

2024 NFL draft: Best fits for the Seahawks at every position

4 prospects who are trending for the Seahawks in Round 1

5 big questions for Seattle going into the 2024 NFL draft

Video: Breaking down the prospects with injuries entering the draft

Video: Breaking down the 2024 NFL draft prospects with injury risks with Dr. Jimmy Liao of the Detroit Lions Podcast

As a special angle for our draft coverage, we’re sharing a recent video from the Detroit Lions Podcast that goes over the injury status and outlooks for several of the 2024 NFL draft prospects who figure to interest the Detroit Lions.

Dr. Jimmy Liao, a board-certified practicing physician and graduate of the University of Michigan’s medical school as well as a lifelong Lions fan, went into detail on the level of risk on a few prospects. From Kool-Aid McKinstry’s troublesome foot surgery (severe concern) to Jackson Powers-Johnson and Ennis Rakestraw (moderate concern), Zac Zinter (light concern) and more, Dr. Liao goes over the injuries and his relative worries about how it might limit them in the NFL and the Lions, if drafted into Detroit.

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Thanks to Dr. Liao for the detailed breakdowns and information on the risk level with all the prospects and also for answering my personal question about soft tissue injuries.

Kerby Joseph had surgery for an ongoing hip injury, out until training camp

Joseph’s injury spotlights the rather alarming lack of depth at safety in Detroit

In his second NFL season, Lions safety Kerby Joseph had an up-and-down campaign. Some of the downs might be explained by a hip injury Joseph suffered in Detroit’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The ball-hawking safety missed the next two games before returning to action. His coverage range and closing burst were not the same for the rest of the season, however.

At Thursday night’s uniform release party at Ford Field, Joseph indicated the hip injury required offseason surgery. The recovery will wipe out all of his offseason prior to training camp.

“[I’m not] gonna come back until training camp,” Joseph said via the Detroit News. “Y’all just bear with me. But I’ll be back.”

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The 2022 third-round draft pick insisted he won’t return until he’s ready and at a full go.

“If I’m out there, I’m going 100%. [There isn’t a] hindrance. I’m gonna give it all I got every time,” Joseph continued.

His injured status spotlights the rather alarming lack of depth at safety as the Lions enter the draft. Joseph and oft-injured Ifeatu Melifonwu, who has missed 17 games in three seasons with various injuries, are the projected starters. The only depth not committed to playing elsewhere (Brian Branch is Detroit’s starting slot DB) is 2023 undrafted rookie Brandon Joseph, who spent his rookie year on the practice squad.

Report: Broncos WR Courtland Sutton had ankle surgery

Broncos WR Courtland Sutton underwent ankle surgery this offseason, according to 9News, but it doesn’t seem to be serious.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton underwent ankle surgery this offseason, according to a report from KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis.

Sutton injured his ankle in the team’s 2023 season finale against the Las Vegas Raiders, a 27-14 loss on the road. Klis reported that it “doesn’t seem” like the team or Sutton is concerned, which seemingly suggests it was a minor procedure.

The Broncos picked up Sutton’s $2 million guarantee in March, but the receiver did not report to the start of voluntary workouts on Monday as he seeks a new contract. The receiver has been working out daily in Florida, according to Klis.

Sutton, 28, is set to have a base salary of $13 million this year, but only $2 million is guaranteed. His salary will increase to $13.5 million in 2025, with none of it guaranteed. Coming off a 10-touchdown season, Sutton now seems to be seeking more security.

The next mandatory session for Denver’s players is minicamp in June.

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Giants’ Brian Daboll pleased with weight room changes

Giants head coach Brian Daboll is pleased with the approach of the new strength and conditioning staff, as well as the weight room changes.

One thing that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll wanted to address this offseason was the team’s strength and conditioning program.

The team went through a slew of injuries in 2023 and Daboll wants to ensure that doesn’t happen again going forward. This offseason, the Giants hired Frank Piraino as the new director of strength and conditioning and brought in Drew Wilson and Steven Tatekawa to assist him.

In addition, the Giants brought back Aaron Wellman as their executive director of player performance. The weight room has been remodeled and Daboll appears to be excited by how the new team is working with the rest of the coaching staff thus far.

“Some of the other new coaches have been very, very pleased of the things they’ve presented, how they want to do things, what they think can be better; been very easy to work with,” Daboll told reporters at the Giants’ first day of offseason voluntary workouts on Monday.

“Have learned a good amount from those guys as well in terms of what they think is important, not just developing the core strength and the quickness, but the type of things they’ll do with the players. They got up and spoke today in the team meeting, Aaron did, Frank (Piraino), and then the guys we retained from last year that were here.

“But we’ve met, I’ve met with them quite a bit as you do to get ready for this particular phase one. I’ve met with them often about their structure, how they see things. We’ve done some different things to the weight room and improved some things in there I think. They’ve been getting after it all morning, which is good to see.

“Those two guys heading up that area have done a great job for the couple months they’ve been here.”

Daboll lauded ownership for taking the request to upgrade the strength and conditioning of the team seriously and investing heavily in it this offseason.

“There is a little turf area in the weight room. The whole weight room is different. There is a different vibe in there. There’s some things we can do a little bit more in there for them,” Daboll said. “We’ve met here in the morning. There are out there working out right now. We’ll get feedback and make sure we’re trying to do everything we can do to help them be the best they can be.”

Turf was installed in the weight room to assist in some new workout drills.

“The weight room is set up a little bit differently, the configuration of it, trying to maximize our space and give those guys everything they need to perform their jobs,” added Daboll.

“So credit to the ownership for doing those type of things for the strength coaches and Joe. You know, it’s a good start. Good to get everybody back in the building. I know that. There is a good vibe.”

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Giants’ Daniel Jones aims for training camp return, says neck is 100%

New York Giants QB Daniel Jones is aiming for a training camp return, has had no setbacks in his ACL recovery and says his neck is 100%.

The New York Giants could possibly see some more changes in their quarterback room this year, especially if they bring in another arm in the 2024 NFL draft.

Daniel Jones, the incumbent at the position, is rehabbing from a season-ending ACL tear and plans to be ready for training camp.

“The plan is to be ready to go by training camp,” Jones told reporters on Monday at the opening session of the Giants’ voluntary offseason training program. “That’s when I’m shooting for and feel good about being ready.”

Jones spoke about the progress he’s made during his rehabilitation, stating he hasn’t had any setbacks.

“I’m coming along well,” he said. “I’ve been throwing for quite some time now. Was throwing stationary pretty soon in the rehab process but have progressed and I’m throwing with movement and dropping, and kind of quarterback-specific drills. So that feels good.”

Jones also dismissed any notion that his neck is a problem or an issue that would linger long-term.

“My neck is 100% healthy. That was a stinger-type injury that’s pretty common in football. That’s calmed down and I feel good,” he said.

Jones is not oblivious to where the team is at when it comes to their quarterback situation. The powers that be — co-owner John Mara, general manager Joe Schoen, and head coach Brian Daboll — have all publicly professed their fondness for Jones, but at the same time, did not rule out bringing in a possible replacement.

“I think you can get into trouble when you try to think too much about some of those things and how it all works out,” Jones said. “Yeah, like your antenna for some of those dynamics and relationships. I’m just focused on what I’m doing, and that’s my rehab, getting healthy, spending time with the guys, and making sure we’re getting on the same page, and having the best spring we can. Like I said, be a better question for Joe and Dabs. I’m focused on what I have to do.”

Asked if thought he was the Giants’ best option at quarterback heading into this season, the former 2019 first-round pick didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, I do,” he said.

We’ll find out if he’s right in the next few months.

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Joe Burrow updates his injury comeback, why he’s put on more muscle

Joe Burrow is back in Cincinnati, bigger and on the comeback trail.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow showed up to team facilities this week noticeably bigger.

Burrow says that’s all part of the plan as he continues to work on his overall frame and — of course — the injury rehabilitation.

“Trying to get a little bigger and stronger. That’s kind of been a focus this offseason,” Burrow told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “We’ll see where it goes. That will kind of be determined as we get closer to training camp. See how I feel.”

The writeup notes that Burrow appears to be over his usual listed playing weight of 215 pounds. The results mirror the quarterback previously saying he would implement offseason workout changes.

And the surgically repaired wrist?

Burrow says everything is going well: “I’m doing the rehab every day. That’s always a part of it. As far as my offseason training, it hasn’t really affected it too much. I’ve been able to pretty much do everything I normally do from a lifting and conditioning standpoint. I’m in a great spot body-wise.”

That Burrow’s injury comeback is going well is something fans could see in a recent workout video where he made an appearance.

The Bengals open offseason workouts Monday and we’re right in the range of where Burrow said he would start fully throwing again.

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Celtics downgrade Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jaden Springer to OUT vs. Sacramento Kings

The Celtics shared that they have downgraded a trio of backcourt players for the Kings tilt this evening at TD Garden.

The Boston Celtics will have to face the Sacramento Kings with a few of their best players sitting on the bench, according to a recent notification from the team. The Celtics shared that they have downgraded a trio of backcourt players for the Kings tilt this evening at TD Garden.

Star forward Jaylen Brown will sit to nurse his left hand sprain back to health ahead of the NBA’s 2024 Playoffs, and starting Boston floor general Derrick White (currently afflicted with a lower back contusion picked up earlier this week) will join him in street clothes vs. Sacramento this (April 5) evening.

Reserve wing Jaden Spring will also sit as he rests up his left knee, which has been bothered by tendinopathy for some time now.

All three had been on the injury report as questionable for today’s game before this afternoon.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

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Steve Kerr hopeful Jonathan Kuminga (knee) can return on Friday vs. Mavs

After he was ruled out for his fifth straight game, Steve Kerr provided an injury update on Jonathan Kuminga.

After scoring in double-figures in 11 straight games, Jonathan Kuminga is set to miss his fifth consecutive game with a bilateral knee injury. While he worked out with the team and scrimmaged early on Thursday morning, the Warriors ruled out the 21-year-old forward against the Houston Rockets for his fifth consecutive missed game.

Before the Warriors started their two-game Texas road trip on Thursday, Steve Kerr provided an update regarding Kuminga’s injury status. The Warriors head coach said he’s hopeful Kuminga can return for the second-leg of their road swing on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks.

He played the day of the Dallas game in a scrimmage, he scrimmaged. He scrimmaged again this morning. Just didn’t feel quite ready. Training staff said they felt strongly we should give him another night off. We’re hopeful for tomorrow, but we will see how he feels tomorrow.

He’s doing a lot better. It’s good he’s gotten a couple of days of conditioning in and work. Like I said, hopefully tomorrow.

Via @NBCSWarriors on X:

Kuninga is averaging 16.3 points on 52.9% shooting from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc with 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 70 games this season. Prior to his injury, Kuminga had tallied double-figure scoring numbers in 15 of his last 16 games, including 11 straight.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb are ‘absolutely attacking’ their rehab

Mike McDaniel said the Dolphins had to mandate a week off for Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb “because they literally live” at rehab.

The Miami Dolphins finished third in the NFL in sacks last season with 56, but there are more questions than answers about the team’s stable of pass rushers right now.

In addition to losing Christian Wilkins in free agency, the Dolphins’ top two edge rushers are working to come back from serious injuries that ended their 2023 season. For Jaelan Phillips, it was a gruesome Achilles tear suffered a day after Thanksgiving. For Bradley Chubb, it was an ACL tear on New Year’s Eve.

At the NFL’s annual meeting last week, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel gave an update on Phillips and Chubb. While he was unwilling to provide reporters with a timeline for their respective recoveries, he spoke glowingly about the effort and tenacity the duo have put into rehab.

“Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are extreme versions of, ‘Hey, we need to make sure they aren’t chasing a timeline because as competitors, they will achieve that timeline and it might be at the worst for their bodies,’” McDaniel said. “So relative to timelines, we specifically don’t have those for those two. We’ve had to mandate that they have a week off of rehab just recently, both of them, because they literally live there.

“They have a pseudo-tape on the floor parking spots for their little scooters that they’ve graduated from. They’re both really doing exactly what you’d expect from those two individuals, which is absolutely attacking that process, but doing it from a perspective that they don’t want to get healthy for one week, they want to get healthy for the whole season.”

In February, Phillips shared video of himself walking without a boot for the first time since surgery. Later that month, he told reporters at a charity event that he “feels strong and feels great.”

With the team’s top duo of rushers both recovering from injury and Andrew Van Ginkel joining the Minnesota Vikings in free agency, the Dolphins signed two-time sack artist Shaquil Barrett to provide a boost. It wouldn’t be a surprise either if the team used an early draft pick to bolster its pass rush.

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