If there's a saving grace it's that we're seeing this happen in early August, rather than September. Nevertheless, it's frustrating to have to make roster shifts early to compensate for players not be available. First it was Corey Peters, who injured his foot prior to the beginning of camp and missing three weeks, now Vance Walker is out with an undisclosed injury as he missed practice yesterday.
Peters was a known quantity, and we expected him to miss at least three weeks, but the injury to Vance Walker is slightly more concerning. I'm naturally afraid of the 'undisclosed injury' because they tend to either be absolutely nothing, or far worse than a team is willing to admit, and they're looking for a contingency plan before they share this information.
Last year was Walker's coming out party. Appearing in 16 games he finished with 18 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 FF. With both Peters and Babineaux missing games due to injury last year it was expected that Walker could be that first guy off the bench in 2012, and make an impact. It's premature to worry too much, it's still early-- but definitely watch for Walker in the coming days. If this lingers past the first preseason game it's safe to start getting a little concerned.
Peria Jerry will now be leaned on more than ever, and we'll have to wait and see if he's up to the task. Thus far the former 1st round pick has not separated himself, but now's the time for him to try and make an impact with the injuries wracking havoc on the players in front of him.
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