We finally have some clarity on Antonio Brown‘s foot injury, and it’s a doozy. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Raiders wideout suffered frostbite during a “cryogenic chamber mishap.” An ESPN.com report provides even more context, noting that Brown wasn’t wearing the proper footwear when he entered the chamber last month in France.
Brown opened training camp with his new team on the active/NFI list, and the receiver subsequently visited a foot specialist for a “very minor” foot injury. The Raiders offseason acquisition was later categorized as “day to day,” but it sounds like that designation has since changed.
Today, coach Jon Gruden told ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio that Brown was “still collecting information” on the injury. While the team is hoping to learn more later this week, there currently isn’t a timetable for the receiver’s return.
Brown ended his prolific Steelers career with a trade request, and he was ultimately dealt to the Raiders for a third- and fifth-round draft pick. Naturally, Gruden is excited to add the seven-time Pro Bowler into his offense, but he’ll have to be patient for the time being.
“You know me, it is like waiting for Santa Claus,” Gruden said of anticipating Brown’s return. “I have been really excited to coach this man. I think he is a great player and he is a great competitor. We need his life in this offense and on this football team. We will just cross our fingers. I will make no speculation whatsoever. He has to get it evaluated. He has to get the information he needs, and when he does, he will be back.”
Brown finished last season with 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns. It was his sixth straight season with at least 1,200 receiving yards and 100 receptions.
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