Cardinals and Packers’ injury updates
Every team must deal with injuries at one point in training camp and in the preseason. It’s inevitable. So, for the Arizona Cardinals to see running back Beanie Wells get carted off the field after suffering a minor rib injury during practice is, believe it or not, a good sign.
“He [Wells] just got hit on the ribs, and that’s football,” said head coach Ken Whisenhunt. He also added that Wells would be day-to-day. The fact that Wells is not expected to miss the rest of preseason or time in the regular season, is certainly good news. A CT scan revealed that there was no fracture. While he takes the next couple of days to heal those bruised ribs, fellow running back Tim Hightower will surely see an increase in workload until Wells is fit to return.
Wells provided the Cardinals with a decent running game- something that has been lacking this offence in the past years. With Wells averaging 4.5 yards per carry and rushing just under 800 yards is huge for Arizona. Hightower, the second half of this running back duo, contributed by adding 598 yards on the ground.
Wells was injured after a solid tackle by safety Hamza Abdullah. “Right now, I am just focused on Beanie and praying he is OK because that is not what I am out here to do, hurt anyone, especially one of my teammates," Abdullah said. "I want to practice the right way. Coach Whiz [Whisenhunt] does a great job taking care of us.”
Packers’ Matthews sidelined for two weeks
Green Bay’s linebacker Clay Matthews, who earned a Pro Bowl spot last season, was placed on the team's disabled list after suffering a hamstring injury.
Matthews was trying to free himself from a block by the fullback when the injury occurred. "It was nothing. I didn't feel like I opened up wrong or decelerated too fast," he said. "I think it's just one of those freak things." Matthews is expected to miss at least two weeks according to head coach Mike McCarthy.
This means that Matthews is likely to miss the first three preseason games and may only be available to play in the preseason finale for a limited number of snaps. If not, the linebacker should be ready for the regular season opener against the Philadelphia Eagle. "I'll be doing everything in my power to get back," he said. "Whether that's the third (preseason) game, fourth game or the start of the regular season, I'll be ready."
The injury is cause for concern because this is the same hamstring that bothered him during the offseason.
If Matthews is not ready to return to action, this would be a serious blow to the Packers who have had problems getting to the quarterback and stopping the run. Matthews led the team in sacks with 10 while the rest of the team combined for 27. The Packers 3-4 defensive style of play, which features three defensive linemen and four linebackers, can’t afford to be without Matthews.
The former University of Southern California standout has been such an integral part of Green Bay’s defence. All-Pro linebacker Nick Barnett, who led the team in tackles last season, and A.J. Hawk will need help from the youngster. The success of this team rests squarely on the shoulders of the linebackers and of course of the quarterback.
So if Matthews is not ready to go and if his injury reoccurs during the season, this might be problematic for the Packers. Barnett, Hawk and Matthews combined for 245 tackles last season.
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