As the Buffalo Bills took the field for drills in the first day of OTAs today, one of their best defensive players, second-year linebacker Kiko Alonso was not participating. After the practice, Bills head coach Doug Marrone indicated that Alonso was recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum, but was expected to be ready for Bills full training camp which opens in late July. (SIA Profile)
“We knew that we got [the procedure] done right away so he wouldn’t miss any time,” coach Doug Marrone said. “We’re just being progressive as we work this through camp with him.”
Given that the standard recovery time on this type of surgery is 4-6 months, twitter was abuzz with speculation as to how Alonso could possibly be ready for the camp. However a tweet from Alonso’s agent clarified the situation.
Contrary to reports, Kiko Alonso will not miss 4-6 months. He underwent procedure in Jan, his rehab is going great, & he’ll b ready for camp
— Steve Caric (@Caricsportsmgt) May 28, 2014
Alonso was a candidate for defensive Rookie of the Year, after as season in which he played all 1145 defensive snaps for the Bills. He had 159 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and four interceptions on the season.
Last season Kiko Alonso played middle linebacker, but the Bills are moving him to the outside in hopes of better utilizing his speed in their defensive scheme.
The Bills best pass rusher, Mario Williams is also sitting out OTAs with off-season hip surgery, while wide receiver Robert Woods is rehabbing from ankle surgery, and tight end Scott Chandler is recovering from a procedure on his knee. However they are also all expected to be fully recovered before training camp.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
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