As NFL training camps progress, injuries have started to pile up — some serious, others not so much. Let’s get caught on the latest news from around the league, beginning with an update on Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
NFL training camp injury news: Jason Kelce underwent surgery
On Tuesday, Kelce had surgery on his elbow as part of what the Eagles described as a “routine cleanout,” according to Tim McManus of ESPN. Kelce, who has not missed a game since 2014, was experiencing discomfort in his elbow. Per McManus, it’s realistic to expect Kelce to be ready for Week 1.
Philadelphia has arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and that includes both starters and depth. The Eagles used a second-round selection on Nebraska center Cameron Jurgens in 2022, so they have a plan in place if Kelce is forced to miss time. At worst, Jurgens will get more reps with the starters as Kelce recovers from his procedure.
Jameis Winston has a foot injury
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen told reporters that quarterback Jameis Winston “tweaked” his foot at Monday’s practice, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter later said Winston rolled his ankle. However, Schefter later reported the injury is “nothing to really worry about,” while Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune said the issue is “not serious.”
Winston will miss a few days of practice and won’t play in New Orleans’ first preseason game, but it doesn’t like he’s in any danger of being sidelined into the regular season. Veteran Andy Dalton is in place as the Saints’ backup quarterback.
Latest on Ravens’ RBs
The Baltimore Ravens officially activated running back J.K. Dobbins from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list on Monday, clearing the way for him to be active in Week 1. Dobbins tore his ACL and meniscus last August and faced a long road to recovery, but the signs have been positive.
Baltimore projects to run the ball as much as any team in the league, so they’ll have to balance their play-calling preferences against Dobbins’ injury risk and workload management.
While the Ravens received good news on Dobbins, fellow RB Gus Edwards is a little farther behind. Baltimore hopes OT Ronnie Stanley, CB Marcus Peters, and EDGE Tyus Bowser can come off PUP before Week 1, but that may not be the case for Edwards, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Edwards, who tore his ACL in September, is likely doubtful for the start of the regular season, according to Zrebiec.
Jakeem Grant suffers Achilles injury
Browns wideout and return specialist Jakeem Grant tore his Achilles at practice on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. Grant, who earned second-team All-Pro nods as a returner in both 2020 and 2021, signed a three-year, $10 million deal with Cleveland in the offseason after splitting last year between the Dolphins and Bears.
Grant would have been the Browns’ fourth receiver, at best, behind Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and David Bell, but he could have revitalized a pair of return units that needed improvement in 2022. Last season, Football Outsiders ranked Cleveland in the middle of the pack in kick returns but 31st in punt returns.
No timetable for Shaquille Leonard
Colts linebacker Shaquille (formerly Darius) Leonard is expected to miss regular-season games after undergoing back surgery earlier this summer, as Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. While Indy doesn’t have an official timetable for Leonard’s return, they do expect him back at “some point” this season.
Leonard is currently on the PUP list. Assuming he stays there into the regular season, he’ll have to miss at least four games — but this latest update makes it sound as if he’ll be sidelined for longer than that. The Colts will have to lean on other LBs like Bobby Okereke and Zaire Franklin until Leonard can return.
Packers OT Elgton Jenkins will likely stay on PUP
Elgton Jenkins is expected to remain on the PUP list into the regular season and miss at least four games as he recovers from a torn ACL, per Matt Schneiderman of The Athletic. With fellow offensive tackle David Bakhtiari also questionable for Week 1, Green Bay may be forced to rely on several inexperienced players up front.
Rams activate RB Kyren Williams
The Rams announced Monday that they activated running back Kyren Williams from the PUP list. Williams is a fifth-round rookie, but Los Angeles doesn’t have much RB depth behind Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. The Notre Dame RB tanked the Combine, but he profiles as a legitimate threat in the passing game.