Quarterback Carson Strong wants you to know that his injury is just fine. It was revealed that the Nevada QB had suffered a significant knee injury in high school that required offseason surgery just under a year ago. The story has threatened to hamper his 2022 NFL Draft stock and has further muddied an already murky QB class.
Carson Strong addresses his knee injury at the 2022 NFL Combine
“I can play football,” Strong informed media at the 2022 NFL Combine. “My knee is totally fine — it’s not going to fall off.”
On pure talent alone, Strong is easily one of the top quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft class. In the recently updated Pro Football Network Top 300, the Nevada QB ranked as the fourth-best QB prospect in the class. Furthermore, he lands as the 32nd overall prospect.
Possessing an exceptional arm, Strong could easily have challenged for the mantle of QB1 in this class. However, his stock has been consistently questioned as a result of his knee injury. The Nevada QB suffered a season-ending knee injury in high school. Subsequently, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee in the offseason. He’s had to play with a knee brace this year amidst questions about his mobility as a prospect.
Strong reassures teams and issues a rallying cry
Strong sought to reassure any team that selects him in the 2022 NFL Draft that he will be ready to go. “I know me, and I know how my knee is feeling,” he told reporters. “I’m almost there at 100%. It’s definitely better than it was during the season.”
Despite playing with a brace and recovering from injury, Strong still had a sensational campaign. Completing 70.1% of his passes for the second consecutive season, the Nevada QB threw for 4,175 yards. Meanwhile, he tossed a career-high 36 touchdowns. Despite the success, Strong believes there’s even better to come for the team that selects him.
“2021 was not me, as I couldn’t drive the ball with my right leg. So, I have a ton of untapped potential as I get healthier.”