The Washington Redskins suffered their first significant injury in training camp, with rookie defensive tackle Daron Payne sustaining an ankle injury on Friday.
According to Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, Payne sustained the injury when a teammate stepped on his left ankle, forcing him to wear a walking boot. Gruden said Payne will be out for two to three weeks as he recovers from the injury.
Gruden is confident that the Redskins' 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft will provide significant contribution when he returns to the field.
"He's big, strong, physical," Gruden says. "He'll probably get stronger in his two weeks working out."
According to Gruden, Payne is in great physical shape so the injury will not be a big deal for him. Gruden added that Payne is a smart football player as he has already familiarized himself with the team's defense, putting him in great shape while he's recovering.
Payne played his collegiate career at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to the national title last season. Payne's outstanding six-tackle performance in the title game earned him a share of the MVP honors with backup quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Teammates Impressed With Payne
Since he was drafted by the Redskins, Payne has been making a good impression on his teammates. According to defensive end Jonathan Allen, he was impressed by Payne's strength on the first day he came in.
"This was literally the first day he came in," Allen says. "He just came in and squatted 650, throwing up 400 on bench. I mean, he's a beast."
According to outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, what impressed him the most about Payne is his work in the weight room. Kerrigan said he's excited to watch Payne's progress throughout the Redskins' training camp.
Ryan Anderson Also Out For Redskins
Another Alabama alum, outside linebacker Ryan Anderson, also left the field during the Redskins' second day of training camp at Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond, Virginia.
According to Gruden, Anderson had back spasms and had to miss Saturday's training camp. Gruden is hoping that Anderson could recover in time for their Sunday's training.
"He'll probably miss today, and, hopefully, we'll get him back. Hopefully, he'll get recovered here and be back tomorrow," Gruden says of Anderson, a second-round pick by the Redskins in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Last summer, Anderson suffered a shoulder injury in the Redskins' first preseason game. However, he recovered in time to play 14 games last season in his rookie tear. In 2017, the Redskins used Anderson in 193 defensive snaps, 146 special-teams plays and six snaps as a fullback in 2017.
The Redskins will begin their preseason campaign on Aug. 9 against the New England Patriots.
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
