Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl having his right arm in a sling was a surprising sight at Wednesday’s practice. Curl’s hand also appeared to have a cast.
According to Ben Standig of the Athletic, Curl has a thumb injury that may have required surgery. It’s unclear when his injury occurred. However, Standig noted Curl left practice on Aug. 25 with the training staff. Curl did not play in the last preseason game against the Ravens two days later.
Commanders’ head coach Ron Rivera remained mum about Curl’s injury when asked on Wednesday. Per NFL rules, Washington does not have to reveal an injury report until next Wednesday.
Fellow starting safety Bobby McCain told JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington that Curl may be out for “a few days.”
The Commanders have three other safeties on the 53-man roster, Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Reaves, and rookie Percy Butler. Forrest appeared set to play the Buffalo Nickel role. Yet, their roles may have to change if Curl misses any playing time.
Since being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft, Curl has emerged as Washington’s most reliable safety. He played the Buffalo Nickel role and thrived as a rookie, recording three interceptions, 2.0 sacks, and 88 tackles in 16 games.
Last season he started 14 games at strong safety. He recorded 99 tackles, 1.0 sacks, five passes defended, and a fumble recovery.
Kamren Curl has been a solid rock on the backend of the Commanders’ defense. His absence could leave a hole in the secondary if he is not able to suit up for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Surely, Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is hoping Curl is healthy in due time.
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