|
|
 |
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Taking their toll Injuries making for anxious time in some camps
Injuries may be a complication common to every team in the NFL. But no two teams are alike in how they are equipped to handle injuries to key players. The Jets have been hit hard with the injury bug already and they haven't even played an exhibition game. First, nose tackle Jason Ferguson went down with a torn rotator cuff, leaving the Jets woefully inexperienced at such a vital position. Then, they lost first-round pick wide receiver Santana Moss, who will miss three months with a knee injury. Moss is a critical loss for several reasons. He was expected to contribute to the Jets' new West Coast offense, either as a starter or, at the very least, a slot receiver on third downs. Moss is also a tremendous punt and kick returner.
The Dolphins took a calculated risk when they decided to part ways with tackle Richmond Webb during free agency. Webb left for Cincinnati and now his replacement, Brent Smith, is hurt. The Dolphins went to camp last year with two quality left tackles; now they have none. Bengals offensive line coach Paul Alexander feels Miami's pain. "Before we got Richmond," Alexander said, "I knew firsthand how tough it is was to block an NFL defense without a left tackle." Some teams, like the Ravens, Broncos and Raiders, have enough depth to withstand injuries to vital players. Baltimore upgraded the right tackle spot by acquiring Leon Searcy from the Jaguars. Now Searcy has a torn triceps that will keep him sidelined for a few months. But the Ravens can take last year's starter, Harry Swayne, plug him right into his old spot, and they've weathered their first storm. The Broncos acquired Henri Crockett from Atlanta during the free agency period to add depth at linebacker. Then they signed Lee Woodall from the Panthers, creating a surplus. The Falcons are so shallow at linebacker that they had to trade a draft pick to Denver to get Crockett back. The Broncos have stockpiled quarterbacks and running backs and could broker a few more trades before the season even begins. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the problems the Vikings face with the unfortunate death of starting right tackle Kory Stringer. Minnesota's offensive line has been disassembled over the past few years for salary cap reasons. Randall McDaniel and Jeff Christy now start for the Bucs, Todd Steussie is the left tackle for the Panthers. With little cap space and would-be backups already manning the starting positions, one more injury could force head coach Dennis Green to trade for a tackle or bring in a free agent like Erik Williams. Pat Kirwan who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||
