Latest Eddie Royal Injury Could Be Problematic For San Diego Chargers WR


Eddie Royal San Diego Chargers

Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Yet another San Diego Chargers wide receiver went down with an injury this weekend. This time, Eddie Royal, who’s projected to be the team’s slot receiver, was taken to the hospital in an ambulance after a hard fall while making a catch in practice. The good news is his injury isn’t as bad as it first appeared. He sustained a concussion and bruised lung and could still be ready for the start of the regular season. The bad news is that Royal will miss the remainder of preseason and training camp, something that certainly hurt his production last season.

This offseason for Royal seems terribly similar to his offseason last year. In 2012, Royal was the talk of minicamp and was poised for a breakout season in his first year with the Chargers. However, all his momentum was lost when he injured his groin on the first day of training camp. During the season, he couldn’t seem to regain his offseason form, dealt with more injuries, and went on to have an underwhelming season in which he caught just 23 passes for 234 yards and one score.

Now looking to bounce back during this offseason, Royal was the talk of the early part of training camp and looked as good as ever. With the losses of Danario Alexander for the season and Malcom Floyd for the remainder of preseason and possibly beyond, Royal had the chance to really show what he can do with an expanded role. However, his latest injury will force him out for the remainder of preseason and zap any momentum he’s built up for himself this offseason.

Royal’s body has suffered numerous injuries throughout his career, including a concussion back in 2011 and multiple groin and hamstring issues. If Royal, who relies on his speed and shiftiness, loses a step due to his many injuries, he won’t be nearly as effective given that he’d lose his best quality as a receiver.

We definitely don’t want Royal’s regular season production to match last season’s, and more injuries to his body won’t help either. Hope Royal can get healthy soon and stay healthy, particularly when the season comes around.

Kevin Chan is a San Diego Chargers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.



Sign Up
for the

We Recommend

Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties