In football terms, it’s a complete disaster for the New Orleans Saints. Starting left tackle Terron Armstead tore his labrum Wednesday and is scheduled to go under the knife Monday. He’s not expected to be ready to return to the field for four-to-six months. Doing the math, That could mean Armstead could be out for nearly the entire 2017 season.
Heartbroken when I found out I need surgery! No one is more frustrated than me after working so hard. I'll be back #WhoDatNation STRONGER!!
— Terron Armstead (@T_Armstead72) June 16, 2017
Armstead was a real coup for the Saints. The originally drafted him int he third round out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and developed him into a top tier left tackle. It was a boon for Armstead too, who signed a five-year, $65.25 million extension in 2015.
New Orleans has made a concerted effort to continue beefing up its offensive line to protect its most valuable player, quarterback Drew Brees, while at the same time spending draft picks and free agent dollars on defensive players. This year they snagged Wisconsin offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk with the final pick in the first round in the hopes he would slide right into the starting right tackle slot one Zach Strief retires. Now, it appears they’ll be leaning on the rookie on the blind side and once again and Strief better stay healthy.
Backup Khalif Barnes and left guard Andrus Peat will probably also get a solid look at left tackle once training camp hits.
Jalen Ramsey recovering from a surgery of his own
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey recently had a surgical procedure to repair a core muscle injury that, according to the team, showed up during organized team activities. The Jags did not give a recovery time for Ramsey, but he’s expected to be ready for the regular season.
“To all my supporters and fans, I want you to know that I chose to undergo surgery to treat a minor injury that was very successful,” Ramsey said in a statement. “I want to and will be the best version of myself that I can be for the upcoming 2017 season. I will attack this rehab, refine my body and work as hard as I ever have to become the best Defensive Back in this league and to make everyone, including my family, teammates and city, proud of who I am. I can’t wait to be back on the field with the team and show the world how we’re rocking this year.”
Jalen Ramsey not expected to miss regular season snaps after surgery: https://t.co/IwWfWfMTVJ (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/LEXCqxvXuv
— NFL (@NFL) June 16, 2017
Ramsey was as good as rookie as everyone thought he would be playing corner for Jacksonville. He recorded 65 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown.
Michael Floyd still has problems with the law
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd is in trouble with the courts again after testing positive for alcohol this week. As part of DUI sentence, Floyd is banned from drinking and is currently on house arrest.
https://twitter.com/LeadingNFL/status/875747478905028612
According to Floyd’s agent Brian Murphy, the test was tripped up by the wideout accidentally ingesting some kombucha tea drinks unaware they contained alcohol.
“Michael Floyd started his 96-day home monitoring on March 13, 2017,” Murphy said in the statement. “During this time period, Michael was tested a minimum of six times per day. For the first 90 days, Michael’s blood alcohol content was 0.0 for all of his 500 plus tests. On June 10, 2017, Michael watched movies at his place of residence until 3:00 a.m,” Murphy said in a statement. “During that time, he drank several bottles of kombucha tea drinks, unaware that the drinks contain alcohol. On June 11, 2017 at 5:30 a.m., Michael was tested and his blood alcohol content was .055. Michael was tested again at 5:54 a.m. and his blood alcohol content was down to .045. Michael was tested again at 6:23 a.m. and his blood alcohol content was .044. He then went back to sleep and missed a test at 6:33 a.m. Michael was five days away from the end of his home monitoring. Prior to and after this incident, Michael has not had any alcohol whatsoever since the start of his home monitoring. Unfortunately, the kombucha teas that Michael did drink resulted in a positive blood alcohol content reading. As a result, the Court wishes to hear from Michael on June 26. At that time, Michael will have an opportunity to explain how this unfortunate test result happened.”
The Vikings, who just signed Floyd to a one-year deal, released a statement of their own.
“We are aware of the situation involving Michael Floyd and are looking into the matter,” the Vikings read. “We are still gathering facts and will withhold any further comment at this time.”
Floyd was originally drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and was on his way to being a legit NFL star before his troubles with alcohol ended that. Floyd caught 65 passes for 1,041 yards and five touchdowns his second year in the league and while he didn’t top 1,000 yards again over the next two seasons, he did get within striking distance and caught six touchdowns in 2014 and 2015.
Last season, Floyd was again on his way to a solid stat sheet when another DUI arrest forced the Arizona Cardinals to cut him. He was picked up by the New England Patriots and played in two games, but was inactive all through the playoffs.
Myles Garrett in walking boot
After an injury scare Thursday, Cleveland Browns No. 1 pick was spotted in a walking boot Friday, showing that any lower leg injury he suffered wasn’t that serious.
@RuiterWrongFAN at the airport in a walking boot pic.twitter.com/KMpczv1A8y
— rak (@Rak0077) June 16, 2017
The Browns have released no details on the injury and it could be that Garrett tweaked the same ankle that bothered him all last season at Texas A&M.
Jaylon Smith beginning to feel like himself
When the Dallas Cowboys picked linebacker Jaylon Smith in the second round of the 2016 draft it was with full knowledge he would get an injury redshirt for the 2016 season. There was also a chance that redshirt would carry over. Smith appears to have no interest in that.
Tremendous workout by @thejaylonsmith at Cowboys minicamp today. Doesn't look like he's lost any speed. Big test will be in pads in camp.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) June 15, 2017
According to reports, Smith is wearing a brace on his surgically repaired knee and participated in the Cowboys’ mandatory minicamp this week. Even better, there doesn’t seem to be any soreness or lingering issues after practicing.
“I feel like me. I look like me. I am me,” Smith told reporters. “I’m Jaylon Smith. Ready to play some ball. …The nerve’s regenerating, so I’m doing great. It’s all God’s timing.”
Dallas linebackers coach Matt Eberflus agrees, offering his own take at what he saw from Smith during minicamp.
“He (Smith) is starting to show that quickness and instincts,” Eberflus said. “And then when we get the pads on him, we’ll get to see his striking ability. We’re excited about him.”
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