The Jaguars have said all along they expect Jalen Ramsey to be ready for the start of training camp. That message hasn't changed.
Jacksonville general manager Dave Caldwell told reporters Monday that the first-round defensive back will be full-go when the team opens camp Thursday, per Mark Long of The Associated Press.
Ramsey underwent surgery in May to repair a small tear to the meniscus in his right knee, which he suffered during phase two of the team's offseason conditioning program. He was seen running in early June, prompting Caldwell to say last month: "The expectation is he'll be 100 percent ready for training camp and probably even before then."
Ramsey's rapid recovery is a boost for Jacksonville after the team watched first-round pick Dante Fowler miss all of last season in heartbreaking fashion after suffering a torn ACL during the team's initial rookie minicamp session.
In other positive news for the club, Caldwell noted that defensive lineman Sen'Derrick Marks (triceps) will be ready for the start of camp, while offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee) is expected to practice at some capacity when the team gathers in earnest on Thursday.
All eyes will be focused on Ramsey, though, the fifth-overall pick who is expected to contribute right away for a secondary already packed with Prince Amukamara, Davon House and Aaron Colvin at the cornerback position. If he fulfills expectations, this Jacksonville defense has a shot to finally stop operating as a punching bag for opponents.
In other injury news:
- Rapoport tweeted that longtime defensive back Antonio Cromartie"may have played his last down due to lingering hip concerns." The free-agent cornerback has received scant interest from teams outside of the Dolphins, as Miami had "internally discussed" adding the 32-year-old Cromartie earlier in the offseason.
Cromartie later tried to dispel reports his NFL career could be nearing its end.
- Chris Culliver will undergo a physical with the Cardinals Monday, Rapoport reported according to a source informed of the player's situation. Rapoport noted general manager Steve Keim previously spoke publicly about the impending physical but did not give a timeline.
- Chargers running back Danny Woodheadsays he's back to 100 percent after spraining his ankle during minicamp, per The San Diego Union-Tribune. "It took a couple weeks, but now I'm as healthy as I've been in a long time," Woodhead said. "I feel great going into the season."
- The Texans have put defensive end J.J. Watt and tackle Duane Brown on the PUP list. Watt underwent surgery to repair his herniated disc last week, and his recovery timetable will go up against the start of the regular season.
- The Packers have placed wideouts Jordy Nelson and Ty Montgomery, linebacker Sam Barrington, tight end Jared Cook, and guard T.J. Lang on the PUP list, per the league's transaction wire. Center Corey Linsley (hamstring) also was placed on the list.
- The Patriots have placed wideout Danny Amendola, running back Dion Lewis, and wideout Julian Edelman on the PUP list.
- The Saints have placed tackle Terron Armstead on the PUP list.
