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[Update] They’re now saying Kamu Grugier-Hill’s injury will keep him out “multiple weeks” and the linebacker was seen on crutches at Sunday’s open practice.
That’s Kamu Grugier-Hill, one day after suffering a Grade 3 MCL sprain. #Eagles have him out for “multiple weeks.” pic.twitter.com/N4mXApqfbq
— Martin Frank (@Mfranknfl) August 4, 2019
Eagles head coach Doug Pederson had been singing his praises just hours ago, but reports are now claiming linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear at training camp practice on Saturday.
#Eagles LB Kamu Grugier-Hill suffered a Grade 3 MCL sprain in practice today, sources say. That’s not the best news but also not the worst for the projected starter who has been impressive of late. He’ll likely miss some regular-season time but should be back relatively early.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 3, 2019
Pederson initially called it a “lower body injury” but those at training camp noted it was obviously a knee injury after Grugier-Hill went down on Saturday.
Kamu Grugier-Hill gingerly limping off the field. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 3, 2019
He was then carted to the medical tent, but then proceeded to walk around afterward, although that doesn’t always mean good things — as in this case. Although, it could have been a lot worse, and doesn’t appear like it will keep him sidelined too long into the regular season.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz also lauded the linebacker’s development over the past couple years and was excited for his potential this season.
“But I think Kamu over the course of the last two years, has become better versus blockers, he’s become more of a physical presence inside. I mean, everybody knows the athletic ability that he had, but he was always sort of considered a hybrid player or a light player, I think he’s taking a big step to being a full-time linebacker.
And when I say full-time, I don’t mean being on the field all the time. But I mean can play inside, can play outside, can take on a guard, can step up and fill a run play — all those kind of things. His understanding of defenses is really good too.”
The Eagles did bring in a few new linebackers this offseason, including Zach Brown and L.J. Fort, but we’ll have to wait until preseason games start on Thursday to see how well they are adjusting and understanding Philly’s defense before assessing how well they might fill in for Grugier-Hill until his return.