NFL: Training camps and casual injuries
NFL is bombarded with the pre-season preparations as the teams are totally busy in training sessions since July. Team coaches are formulizing strategies and plans for their respective teams in order to inject fresh ideas for the players. The players, on the other hand, are going through tough practices; their physicality and game-skills are being put to a test in order to prepare them for the big competitions ahead of them.
There has been a lot of activity in the past few days. Although, the process remained very smooth without any contract disputes, various injuries have been reported during practice sessions.
The New York Giants started their training camp on 1st August, 2010 and initially two injuries have been reported in the starting three days. Hakeem Nicks, the wide receiver for Giants hyperextend his right knee at the end of practice on Tuesday afternoon. Nicks actually suffered from a toe surgery in the offseason but the team is hoping that the current injury is not related to the previous one. An MRI test will clarify the actual damage to Nicks’ knee.
In addition, the Giants received another bad news as the starting centre for the team; Shaun O’Hara received a blow to his left ankle which is badly swollen. The swelling has immobilized Shaun’s ankle which is not a good sign. However, he also left the camp on Tuesday and moved to Manhattan to undergo treatment.
Likewise, the Giants’ cross-town rivals, the New York Jets, started their training on 29th July. Jet’s quarter-back Kellen Clemens became news when he injured his calf and was sidelined but reportedly he has re-joined practice on the 3rd of August. The Jets’ coach Tom Coughlin is very hopeful to keep the same momentum and use the players’ abilities in the right direction. He passed very optimistic remarks when he said, “That’s a reflection of our team, and our team’s commitment and their focus. The realization of what camp is all about, and just the idea of why we’re here. We are here to work, prepare and become the best team we can be.”
The Dallas Cowboys held their training camp before any other team in the NFL as they started on 24th of last month. Most of the players displayed good physical action but Cowboys rookie wide receiver Dez Bryant got tangled up with defensive back Orlando Scandrick and badly hurt his ankle. It happened in the first week of the training activity. Team sources have confirmed that Bryant could miss up to six weeks on account of a sprain in his ankle.
Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver DeSean Jackson also suffered from back injury during the camp but the team sources confirmed that it was a minor injury. The explosive offensive weapon of Eagles, DeSean Jackson was actually trying to catch a slant pass behind him during a seven-on-seven drill. Asante Samuel was covering DeSean Jackson from behind. Jackson turned to catch the ball when Asante made an awkward move and twisted Jackson’s back. However, Jackson was able to walk off the field himself.
Almost all the teams in the NHL have had their share of dramatics so far. Casual injuries are always part of the game and they do not post a great threat to the team’s performance. As crunch time is approaching fast, suspense and uncertainty is building up. Teams are going through rough practices and trying to master the skills which will benefit them in the regular season.
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