Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Jalen Ramsey (Florida State) with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the number five overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Fifth overall pick Jalen Ramsey has a small meniscus tear in his right knee and the Jacksonville Jaguars are evaluating options for addressing the injury.
Ramsey’s preseason injury stirs reminders of 2015 first-round draft pick Dante Fowler, who never played last year. Fowler, a defensive end, went down in offseason workouts with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and went on injured reserve.
Ramsey’s right knee is of particular concern because he had microfracture surgery as a high school sophomore. While the cornerback said in February the initial injury has never given him problems, the latest damage could be of long-term concern to the Jaguars. Surgery to repair a torn meniscus is not common but in some cases proves to be the best course of action. Most often, rest and treatment are prescribed.
–A poll conducted by the Washington Post found that 90 percent of Native Americans aren’t offended by the nickname of the Washington Redskins.
The Post said it polled 504 Native Americans from around the country. It also found that 78 percent of the people polled don’t consider the name to be an important issue. The Redskins have been under fire in recent seasons to change the name as many people find the nickname to be a term that is derogatory to Native Americans.
Owner Dan Snyder has refused to change the name and he expressed appreciation for the Washington Post’s poll results.
–Likely starting quarterback Mark Sanchez is pushing to return from surgery on his left thumb for the start of organized team activities with the Denver Broncos next week.
Sanchez was projected to miss all of OTAs after a procedure May 14 to repair a ligament in his non-throwing thumb but said Wednesday he thinks he can be on the field with the team when sessions kick off Tuesday.
Sanchez was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles after last season.
–With second-round draft pick Robert Aguayo all but assured of winning the kicking job this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived kicker Patrick Murray.
Murray, 24, did not play in 2015 after being waived before the season. He ended up on injured reserve after he went unclaimed on waivers. During the 2014 season, Murray converted 20 of 24 field goal attempts and was 31 of 31 on extra point tries for Tampa Bay.
–Former Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best is attempting to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as a sprinter.
Best was a first-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and played two seasons for the Lions, rushing for 945 yards and six touchdowns in 22 games, but had his career cut short by concussions. Now 27, Best is trying to make the St. Lucia team.
He needs a time of 10.16 seconds or better in the 100 meters at the St. Lucian national championships on July 25-26, according to St. Lucia News Online. Best was born in Richmond, Calif. and is not a St. Lucia citizen, but his father was born there and Best can participate in the Olympics for St. Lucia if he can can get a passport, gain citizenship and qualify.
