Despite having the hope of playing, Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl has been ruled out of Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a thumb injury.
Curl injured his right thumb in the second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He underwent surgery some time afterward. Last week, he was spotted with his arm in a sling and hand in a cast.
Curl did not practice all week. On Wednesday he went to see a doctor for an update. However, he will not be in uniform for Week 1.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he is “pretty optimistic” Curl will miss just one game, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post. But, Rivera added he is not a doctor.
Curl played in 32 games throughout his first two seasons in the NFL. He has made 25 starts and is locked in as the team’s starting strong safety.
Darrick Forrest appears to be the leading option to replace Curl in the starting lineup. Washington also has Jeremy Reaves and rookie Percy Butler.
In addition to Curl, Commanders tight ends Logan Tomas and rookie Cole turner are questionable to play. Thomas is coming off a torn ACL from last season and has been unsure if he could play Week 1. Turner is dealing with a hamstring injury.
The Commanders have John Bates and undrafted rookie Armani Rogers as their other tight ends.
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