LDN - Sports

NFL notebook: Steelers LG Foster reportedly out a month

[July 30, 2018] Pittsburgh Steelers veteran left guard Ramon Foster won't need surgery after suffering a right leg injury in practice on Saturday, but is expected to miss 4 to 5 weeks, according to multiple reports Sunday.

Foster, 32, was carted off the practice field Saturday when the leg was rolled on during a drill. He clutched his right knee while displaying he was in serious pain.

Foster reportedly suffered a bone bruise and hyperextended his knee, but avoided tearing any ligaments and the team is hopeful he'll be ready for Week 1.

Foster, who has made 115 career starts, would represent a major loss for the Steelers. B.J. Finney moved into the first-string role after Foster departed.

--Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck says he was sore after his first training camp practices since surgery on a torn labrum in January 2017, but otherwise reported "no pain."

"Soreness, tiredness, for sure, and stresses on my arm that are different," Luck told the media at training camp in Westfield, Ind. "(There are) stresses, shoot, on everybody's body at this camp that are different."

Colts coach Frank Reich is expected to continue to be cautious with Luck throughout camp, but Luck is scheduled to start their preseason opener against Seattle on Aug. 9.

--Defensive tackle Vita Vea, Tampa Bay's top pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, was carted off the practice field with an apparent lower leg injury.

Vea, 23, was seen getting his left shin wrapped prior to leaving the Buccaneers' first practice in pads. The Tampa Bay Times later reported it appeared to be a calf strain. ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted, "preliminary diagnosis on the lower left leg injury to Tampa Bay Bucs rookie defensive tackle Vita Vea is a strained calf, a source said. 'It doesn't look bad,' the source said."

Vea, who the Bucs selected 12th overall out of Washington, was injured on a running play during 11-on-11 drills.

--Dallas Cowboys rookie receiver Cedrick Wilson sustained a possible torn labrum in his shoulder, multiple outlets are reporting.

Wilson was injured during practice Saturday and will undergo further tests to pinpoint the diagnosis.

The sixth-round draft choice from Boise State, who is competing for a backup receiver spot, has his arm in a sling, head coach Jason Garrett told reporters.

--New York Jets running back Elijah McGuire will miss three to six weeks after suffering a fractured foot in Friday's first training camp practice, according to ESPN.

The second-year pro is expected to have surgery this week.

The sixth-round pick out of Louisiana-Lafayette rushed for 315 yards and one touchdown last season. He was expected to compete for a bigger role this season behind leading backs Bilal Powell and Isaiah Crowell. Former Seattle Seahawks back Thomas Rawls also is in the mix.

--One day after a scary collision in practice, wide receiver Marvin Jones was back on the field for the Detroit Lions.

Jones was hurt in a collision with cornerback DeShawn Shead on Saturday, with trainers checking his left leg after he landed awkwardly. Jones then tried to walk it off, but wound up watching the rest of practice from the sideline.

[to top of second column]

Steelers guard Ramon Foster (73) spikes the ball after a touchdown by running back Le'Veon Bell (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

The 28-year-old is coming off a career season in which he topped 1,000 yards for the first time (1,101) and caught 61 passes with nine touchdowns.

--New Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther says he "can't worry" about defensive Khalil Mack, so long as the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is not in camp.

This season marks the final year of Mack's rookie contract, which will pay him $13.8 million, and with the possibility of the Raiders using the franchise tag on him next season, Mack wants a long-term extension now.

"I'm just trying to coach the guys who are out here," said Guenther, new head coach Jon Gruden's choice to run the defense. "Obviously when he gets here, if he gets here, he'll be an exciting piece to add."

--New York Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins says he is focusing on the season in the wake of his friend's death -- and the subsequent charges against his brother -- at the player's home this summer.

Jenkins spoke for the first time since Williams Jenkins Jr. was arrested on June 27 and charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of Roosevelt Rene. Janoris Jenkins called the arrest of his brother "shocking." Rene was found dead at Jenkins' home in Fair Lawn, N.J., on June 25.

"It's difficult, but at the end of the day you have to be a pro," Jenkins said. "Things going to happen in life. Some things you can't control. It's just one of those situations."

--Jets quarterback Sam Darnold and Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith are the last unsigned first-round draft picks, but they are holding out for different reasons.

The sticking point between the Jets and Darnold reportedly has to do with forfeiture language in the contract, which would allow a team to recoup money if a player is suspended or injured in certain non-football activities, such as adventure sports.

Smith's holdout continues over contract issues having to do with the league's new helmet-lowering rule, according to multiple reports. The new rule says a player can't lower his head to make contact with an opponent, and with questions as to how the rule will be enforced, Smith wants assurances the teams won't take away some of his guaranteed money if he is suspended.

--Field Level Media

Back to top