Tag: hamstring injury

Texans OLB Jonathan Greenard’s good training camp spoiled by hamstring injury

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard was having a good training camp, and a hamstring injury threatens to spoil it for the rookie.

Houston Texans outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard has had a strong training camp, but a hamstring injury could spoil the finish.

The 2020 third-round pick has missed practices down the stretch due to a hamstring issue, according to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who remained optimistic about Greenard’s ability to help the defense.

“Now, Greenard’s been hindered a little bit by a hamstring injury or a leg injury or something like that, so he’s put himself behind the eight ball a little bit as far as contributing early, but I do expect all those rookies to contribute at some point,” Weaver said.

The Texans’ philosophy towards roster construction is based on coach and general manager Bill O’Brien’s belief that the COVID-19 pandemic’s elimination of the offseason program and closure of other on-ramps for rookies to get acclimated to pro football will curtail their production. Throw in availability issues, and it becomes even more of a challenge for youngsters to adapt and thrive.

“The head coach has said it multiple times, this is a tough year for rookies, and it absolutely is,” said Weaver. “There’s a bunch of cumulative reps that they’ve missed out on whether it was in the spring or in preseason games, but at some point in the season because of their work ethic, they’re all going to contribute and help us here throughout this year.”

The Texans have to cut down to 53 men on Saturday. If they don’t feel that Greenard can contribute to the team immediately, they could place him on injured reserve, which would free up a roster spot. Houston would have the chance to bring him off of injured reserve at some point after the first eight weeks.

[vertical-gallery id=53278]

Chris Paul feeling ‘refreshed’ in his first season in OKC

Paul sat down with ESPN’s Maria Taylor during All-Star Weekend to talk about the positives and negatives of his first year in Oklahoma City.

There is no question that Chris Paul has looked like a new player this year.

Or maybe, more accurately, he looks like the player he was nearly a decade ago.

The rebirth of CP3 was on full display during All-Star Weekend, complete with a career-best 23 points in the All-Star Game and even a high-flying dunk.

In his first season with the Thunder, Paul’s scoring is up from a year ago, his shooting percentage is significantly improved and maybe most importantly, his health has been excellent.

The veteran guard has been vocal about the benefits of going vegan during the offseason.

But it’s not just the change in diet that has Paul feeling good, it’s also a change in scenery. Paul sat down with ESPN’s Maria Taylor ahead of the All-Star Game and told her that he felt “refreshed” in his first season in OKC.

“I was having an amazing time out in LA. And that first year in Houston was unbelievable. It was just a different way of playing. You know, but the ultimate goal was to win a championship. But in that time, had that terrible injury. Being injured, you can lose confidence, all the different-type stuff going through your head, but it’s been refreshing being in Oklahoma and the biggest thing, too, is being healthy.

One of the biggest knocks against Paul prior to this season was his inability to stay healthy.

From 2017 through 2019, he missed time due to various injuries that included his knees, hip, groin, and hamstring, including a five-week absence last year with the Rockets while nursing a right hamstring injury

Paul played in just 58 games in each of his two seasons in Houston. This year in Oklahoma City, he’s already played in 54, and the only game he missed was for personal reasons immediately following the death of Kobe Bryant.

Paul said during the interview that he’s noticed a difference this season in his ability to recover faster, primarily due to his vegan diet, and that he feels he’s at his best on the second day of back-to-backs.

Oklahoma City returns to action on Friday night when they host the Denver Nuggets.

Tight end Ed Dickson expected to see regular workload in Philadelphia

Activated back to the roster from the injured reserve, Seahawks tight end Ed Dickson is expected to see a full workload against the Eagles.

The Seattle Seahawks will be getting some extra help at the tight end position now that Ed Dickson has been officially activated back to the 53-man roster from the injured reserve.

The timing is critical for Seattle with fellow tight end Luke Willson battling a hamstring issue.

“It was a great time for him to be available to us,” coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday. “He wanted to get back a couple weeks ago. We couldn’t fit it in. Luke is kind of opening the door for him. I know you guys are probably wondering to ask about – because he has a hamstring, we can ask about that. Luke has been such an extraordinary healer over the years that I know there’s no category for it, but we’re going to call him probable. Even though it doesn’t exist, you never know.

“Ed coming back is great. He’s really excited to contribute and help out.”

Dickson has yet to see a game this season, but he looks to figure immediately into the plan this week in Philadelphia.

“He’s going to play a regular load if the week works out fine,” Carroll confirmed. “He’s been conditioning for a long time. He’s been practicing with us for quite a while. He should be ready to go. Weight’s in a good spot. He looks like he’s in good shape. He won’t play the whole game because we’ll be moving guys in and out. We expect him to play a regular role.”

The Seahawks and Eagles are set to square off Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. PT.

[lawrence-related id=]