Tag: surgery

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson talks with head coach Kevin Stefanski during an offseason workout.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson progresses to ‘full speed’ throws

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson shed the pitch count and progressed to throwing full speed passes in the latest tier of his rehab from season-ending shoulder surgery.

“Everything is full motion,” Watson said Tuesday after reporting for Cleveland’s offseason program. “Everything is fluid and motion is really good. The velocity and the strength is really good.”

Watson had surgery in November following a season-ending injury to his right shoulder during Cleveland’s 33-31 victory in Baltimore on Nov. 12. He landed on injured reserve as the Browns signed former first-round pick Joe Flacco from the couch to lead the team’s charge to the playoffs and a wild-card berth.

Acquired from the Houston Texans and signed to a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract in 2022, Watson has played 12 total games in his first two seasons with the Browns.

He has three years left on that contract and is determined to prove he’s the best man for the job in Cleveland. But Watson won’t be pushing to make any offseason statements at the risk of re-injury, a position head coach Kevin Stefanski said the franchise would take to preserve their QB1 this spring.

“This is an injury that, for spring, you want to be a little bit more conservative. This summer you get ready for training camp. That’s going to be a time where we can pick that up,” Watson said.

Watson, 28, completed 61.4 percent of his passes for 1,115 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions in six games in 2023.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Watson has thrown for 16,756 yards with 118 touchdowns and 45 interceptions in 66 career games with the Houston Texans (2017-20) and Browns.

–Field Level Media

Mar 9, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow watches the fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Gilbert Burns during UFC 299 at Kayesa Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Zac Taylor: Bengals QB Joe Burrow healing well from surgery

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is progressing well in his recovery from November wrist surgery, coach Zac Taylor said at league meetings on Tuesday.

“It’s positive,” Taylor said. “It’s right on schedule, and so we’re encouraged with everything we thought it was going to be and where he’s going to fit into our offseason.”

Burrow said in early March that he expects to participate in the Bengals’ offseason program this spring.

“I think middle of May is when I am expecting to kind of be cleared for full contact and everything,” Burrow told ESPN at the time.

Along with the torn wrist ligament that required surgery, Burrow also dealt with a calf injury suffered during training camp and played a role in the Bengals’ tough start.

While Burrow has been busy working toward a return, the Bengals have made some significant changes on the offensive side of the ball. With the trade of Joe Mixon the Houston Texans, Zack Moss is the new starting running back. Cincinnati also brought in Trent Brown to play right tackle, while former quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher replaced Brian Callahan as the offensive coordinator when Callahan left to coach the Tennessee Titans.

While it appears Tyler Boyd will sign elsewhere, fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins requested a trade at the start of the free agency period rather than sign an extension. However, it seems Taylor and the Bengals aren’t planning to move the veteran.

“We’re excited for Tee to have a great year for us,” Taylor told Pro Football Network this week. “We think he’s our best chance to help us win a Super Bowl. I’ve enjoyed working with Tee the last four years and expect this year to be no different.”

In his four seasons, Burrow has completed 68 percent of his passes for 14,083 yards and 97 touchdowns in 52 games. He led Cincinnati to a Super Bowl appearance after the 2021 season, when he led the league with a 70.4 percent completion rate.

In September, Burrow signed a five-year contract extension worth $275 million. The $55 million average annual value is the highest recorded in the NFL.

The Bengals finished last season 9-8, last in the AFC North, and missed the postseason after consecutive runs to at least the conference title game.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

49ers’ George Kittle, Charvarius Ward on the mend

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and cornerback Charvarius Ward are both recovering from core muscle surgeries earlier this offseason.

General manager John Lynch confirmed Monday that both Pro Bowl selections are expected to be fully cleared in time for training camp.

Kittle, 30, caught 65 passes for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns in 16 starts in the 2023 regular season. He added eight catches for 112 yards and one TD in three playoff games for the NFC champions.

Ward, 27, set career highs with five interceptions and a league-leading 23 passes defensed in 17 starts during the regular season, adding 72 tackles. He added 10 tackles in three postseason games.

Kittle was named first-team All-Pro for the second time and made his fifth Pro Bowl last season. Ward earned his first Pro Bowl selection in his second season with the 49ers, who fell to his former team, the Kansas City Chiefs, in Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.

–Field Level Media

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is pressured by San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young (92) in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Newly signed DE Chase Young to undergo neck surgery

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Defensive end Chase Young, newly signed to a one-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, will undergo neck surgery on Thursday, Sports Illustrated reported.

Recovery time is three to five months, which would make Young available for the start of the 2024 season, if he stays on schedule.

The Saints were aware of the issue, which is believed to stem from a stinger suffered in the 2023 preseason, and structured his contract accordingly, per the report.

Young is guaranteed to earn his $13 million in the event of a release. However, he will earn just over $5 million in base pay with a roster bonus of $470,000 per game, multiple outlets reported.

If he is active for all 17 games next season, he’d earn the additional $7.99 million on his contract.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by Washington, Young was dealt by the Commanders to the 49ers in exchange for a third-round draft pick last October. He played nine regular-season games for San Francisco, recording 10 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Young added 11 tackles in the 49ers’ playoff run, including a sack in the Super Bowl.

Young, 24, was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 after registering 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 15 games.

Still, his neck injury made it difficult to find a team willing to take the risk, per Sports Illustrated.

A torn right anterior cruciate ligament limited him to nine games in 2021 and three games in 2022. He bounced back to appear in seven games and start six times for Washington last year, producing 15 tackles and five sacks in those contests.

In 43 career NFL games (32 starts), Young has 100 tackles, 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

–Field Level Media

Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) breaks the tackle of Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) as he scores a touchdown in a 2024 AFC wild card game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Report: RB Kareem Hunt recovering from adductor surgery

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Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt is recovering from sports hernia surgery, ESPN reported.

The surgery was to repair a ruptured adductor that apparently plagued him much of the 2023 season.

Hunt, 28, becomes a free agent in March and has indicated he would like to return to Cleveland, where he grew up.

On the season, he appeared in 15 games with two starts, re-signed after starter Nick Chubb went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. He rushed 135 times for 411 yards with nine touchdowns and also caught 15 passes for 84 yards.

He added two touchdowns — one rushing, one receiving — in the Browns’ 45-14 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card game.

In 91 career games (38 starts) with the Kansas City Chiefs (2017-18) and Browns, Hunt has gained 6,326 yards from scrimmage with 57 scores.

Hunt earned his lone Pro Bowl selection in his rookie season when he led the NFL in rushing with 1,327 yards.

–Field Level Media

Oct 15, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) makes a catch against the New York Giants during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Bills TE Dawson Knox could hit IR after wrist surgery

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Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox could be headed for injured reserve following wrist surgery.

The team plans to establish a timeframe for his potential return following the procedure. Head coach Sean McDemott said Tuesday the team would know more about Knox’s status in the coming days, but it’s possible he is headed toward injured reserve.

“I wish I could tell you, too early right now,” McDermott said.

Knox injured his wrist Week 5 in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to Week 6 but was cleared to play and caught three passes for 17 yards in the 14-9 win over the New York Giants.

First-round pick Dalton Kincaid will step into a more prominent role immediately, beginning Thursday night when the Bills (4-3) and quarterback Josh Allen host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3). He had a team-high eight receptions for 75 yards last week against the New England Patriots.

“It’s good to see him getting going and getting a rapport with Josh,” McDermott said. “I think that can help us as we move forward.”

Kincaid is second on the team in receptions, catching 25 of the 27 passes intended for him.

Knox had one reception for 10 yards in Sunday’s loss at New England and has 15 catches for 102 yards and one touchdown through Buffalo’s first seven games this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (5) tackles Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Bills TE Dawson Knox to have wrist surgery

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The Buffalo Bills received bad news on Monday when coach Sean McDermott announced tight end Dawson Knox will have surgery on his injured right wrist.

McDermott wasn’t sure when Knox would be able to return from the lingering injury.

“I wish I could tell you,” McDermott told reporters Monday. “It’s too early right now. The decision was just made to go ahead and get that done.”

A third-round pick by Buffalo in 2019, Knox was hurt in the Bills’ London game Oct. 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars but has continued to play since then.

Knox had one reception for 10 yards in Sunday’s loss at New England and has 15 catches for 102 yards and one touchdown through Buffalo’s seven games this season.

With Knox unlikely to play this week, rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid will be the starter when Buffalo hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Thursday Night Football contest.

– Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is taken from the field on a cart after suffering an apparent injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Browns RB Nick Chubb to undergo knee surgery Friday

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Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb will undergo knee surgery Friday to repair his torn left medial collateral ligament, Cleveland.com reported.

The surgery will be performed at University Hospitals by team physician Dr. James Voos. The team will provide an update upon completion of the surgery, per the report.

Chubb was injured Sept. 18 in Cleveland’s 26-22 loss to the host Pittsburgh Steelers. Chubb rushed up the middle for a gain of 5 yards with 14:14 left in the second quarter and was in the process of being tackled by Pittsburgh linebacker Cole Holcomb when safety Minkah Fitzpatrick dropped his shoulder and ran directly into Chubb’s left knee.

The hit by Fitzpatrick caused Chubb’s leg to bend, and Chubb sat up and grabbed his knee and could be heard yelling in anguish through the field microphones.

Chubb, 27, rushed for 64 yards on 10 carries before exiting. He has 170 yards on 28 carries this season.

The four-time Pro Bowl selection topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past four seasons, gaining a career-high 1,525 last season. Chubb had 996 yards as a rookie in 2018 before beginning his streak of 1,000-yard seasons.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) is carted to the locker room after an injury during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (leg) has surgery, likely out for ’23

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Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson sustained a fractured right fibula in Monday night’s loss to the New Orleans Saints and underwent surgery Tuesday morning, coach Frank Reich said.

“He’s doing well,” Reich told reporters Tuesday, post-surgery. “But he will likely miss the remainder of the season.

“So, tough loss. Obviously, he’s a great player. He’s our emotional leader. I know the guys will pick it up for him, and I know he’s behind us and supporting us every way he can.”

The injury occurred before halftime Monday when Saints left tackle Trevor Penning was pushed aside and fell onto the back of Thompson’s ankle and leg. Thompson was carted off the field.

Thompson was replaced by Kamu Grugier-Hill, who had six tackles and a sack.

Thompson, 29, was the No. 25 overall pick by the Panthers in the 2015 NFL Draft. He has appeared in 119 games (108 starts) and tallied 717 tackles and 12 sacks. He’s added three interceptions, 26 passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and one touchdown.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) reacts after a defensive stop against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Eagles CB Avonte Maddox (pec) set for surgery

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Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox will have surgery this week for a torn pectoral muscle and is potentially out for the season, NFL Network reported Monday.

Maddox, 27, was injured during Thursday night’s win against the Minnesota Vikings.

MRI results and additional medical opinions confirmed that surgery was the best course of action, per the report.

Maddox exited in the second quarter of the 34-28 win against the Vikings with what was initially called a shoulder injury after posting two tackles and forcing a fumble.

Maddox is in his sixth season with the Eagles, who drafted him in the fourth round in 2018. He has recorded 246 tackles, eight forced fumbles and four interceptions in 62 games (37 starts).

–Field Level Media