Buffalo Bills: Conflicting Accounts Over Shaq Lawson’s Injury Status
By Paul Taylor
If the latest reports are to be believed, we’re still no closer to finding out when Shaq Lawson will actually suit up for the Buffalo Bills.
After the Buffalo Bills picked Shaq Lawson in this year’s draft, there was some criticism of the move, related to his health. At the time, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said he was projected to miss five-six months, potentially costing him the first six games of the 2016 season.
However, it’s tough to argue with picking Lawson, when he was surprisingly still available at 19th overall. Projected to be off the board several picks earlier, he received the second-highest run defense grade among edge defenders in this year’s draft.
Further, the defensive lineman was an obvious candidate to compensate for the release of Mario Williams, while also taking into account Kyle Williams‘ age and his recovery from surgery. Admittedly though, this does become somewhat compromised, if Lawson is not actually on the field!
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As such, Bills fans have followed the 22-year old’s progress, in respect of his recovery from shoulder surgery, which took place in May. In that respect, Louis Riddick‘s comments about him on Wednesday, were met with understandable interest.
Speaking to The Howard Simon Show on WGR, the ESPN analyst said Lawson “could miss at least half the season and maybe the whole season”.
Regardless of your opinion regarding ESPN, there is no denying Riddick has connections around the league. As well as previously playing six years in the NFL, he has spent time as a pro scout and Director of Pro Personnel.
However, the matter becomes more intriguing (and unclear), when you consider subsequent comments from WGR’s Sal Capaccio. The Bills reporter disputes Riddick’s comments, after apparently speaking to a league source familiar with Lawson’s rehab.
Capaccio said he was told while there is no specific timetable for the 2015 Consensus All-American’s return, they don’t expect him to miss as much time as has been claimed. Further, the source apparently expressed surprise at Riddick’s remarks.
In truth, there is no way of knowing for sure how long it will be before Lawson steps onto the field. From the information currently available, missing no more than eight games would appear to be a reasonable estimate.
What we do know is the Lake Wylie, North Carolina native will miss all of training camp, which starts a week on Saturday. Patience is key in his recovery, although the sooner he can put on a Bills uniform, the better for Rex Ryan and the team.
Overall, big things are expected from Lawson, who has a non-stop motor and plays with an infectious energy. He should provide a big boost to the defense as a whole, whenever he eventually lines up on the d-line.
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From everything that’s been said to date, when do you predict Lawson will suit up for the regular season? Further, what type of impact do you expect him to have with the Bills? Let us know in the comments section below.