NFL training camp is delivering everything from optimism to chaos, and Tuesday brought a heavy dose of both.
Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely suffered a foot fracture during practice and will undergo surgery, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
While that initially sounded like a long-term loss, multiple reports now say Likely could still be back by week one if his recovery stays on track.
The news wasn’t nearly as encouraging in Miami. The Dolphins have lost cornerback Kader Kohou for the season with a serious knee injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
With Jalen Ramsey now in Pittsburgh after an offseason trade, Miami’s secondary depth has gone from concerning to critical.
The Cleveland Browns were also dealt a devastating blow as standout corner Martin Emerson Jr. tore his Achilles, ending his season before it even began.
The season-ending injury was confirmed by NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Emerson had quietly become one of Cleveland’s most dependable defensive backs and was expected to play a major role again this year.
In Tampa Bay, all eyes remain on Desmond Watson, the 449-pound rookie defensive lineman trying to make the Bucs’ final roster.
The Buccaneers are walking a tight line between turning Watson into a long-term project and getting him real reps now.
So far, he’s been limited to sideline conditioning work, missing valuable practice time, and for a player already dealing with ex-NFL players calling him a ‘circus freak’ when he came into training camp down 30 pounds, that can completely dampen someone's mindset and career.
How much more weight does he have to lose before Watson is to everyone's liking? And can someone prove to not only me but the football world that Watson can’t complete a day of contact at training camp? Just asking for a friend.
Injuries are already shaping the landscape, but so are depth chart decisions, and we’re closing in on the preseason.