Arizona Cardinals: Updates On LaRon Byrd’s Neck Injury
By Baily Deeter
Aug 07, 2012; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver LaRon Byrd (17) catches a pass and runs as Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Kendrick Lewis (23) defends during the Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals practice at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
In May, small injuries usually aren’t concerning. However, LaRon Byrd may have a bit of a problem.
According to Yahoo Sports, Byrd, a second-year wideout out of Miami, is having neck issues. Head coach Bruce Arians said that Byrd returned to practice and is fine, but the report mentions that this could lead to recurring neck issues. Pittsburgh Steelers’ linebacker Jarvis Jones appeared to be a top-10 lock in the 2013 NFL draft before spinal stenosis issues arose, and he was picked 17th instead.
Byrd isn’t expected to do much in 2013, but he’s an athletic receiver with the physical tools to succeed in the NFL. Byrd will likely be Arizona’s fifth receiver, behind Larry Fitzgerald, Ryan Swope, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd. However, with Roberts and Swope likely to be primarily featured in the slot, Byrd should definitely see a good amount of sets as the third outside receiver.
The wide receiver ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and is 6’4″, but he has never produced much on the field. Byrd caught a mere one pass in 2012, and he’s looking to do more in 2013. For a receiver overflowing with potential, this injury and the potential for worse things to come is definitely an obstacle.