Buffalo Bills: Will Cordy Glenn be healthy for the 2017 season?
By Paul Taylor
With Cordy Glenn behind schedule in his recovery from an ankle injury, will he be ready to go for the Buffalo Bills once September arrives?
Cordy Glenn is an extremely valuable member of the Buffalo Bills‘ offense, which is often the case when you’re talking about the starting left tackle. This importance becomes even more apparent, when you consider the analysis of Pro Football Focus‘ Elliott Rooney.
Glenn is considered one of the premier pass-blocking tackles in the NFL, with Rooney and PFF ranking him inside the top 20 every season apart from his rookie campaign. In 2016, he was rated the 22nd-best overall offensive tackle in the league and eighth in pass-blocking efficiency.
With statistic such as this, it’s easy to understand why the Bills signed the 27-year old to a five-year, $65 million contract extension last May. However — as Buffalo sports fans are more than used to by now — this was then followed by some misfortune.
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More specifically, Glenn dealt with an ankle injury throughout 2016, which affected his performance and resulted in him missing a career-high five games. By the end of the year, he had been limited to his lowest snap count since entering the NFL.
Unfortunately for the player and the team, the 2012 41st overall draft pick is behind schedule on his rehab. As a result he was unavailable for OTAs on Thursday.
The question is, will Glenn be ready for Week 1 of the 2017 season? He discussed the matter with Buffalo Bills’ insider Chris Brown, on Wednesday:
"“Right now I’m just attacking the rehab process real hard and trying to be ready for the season,” said Glenn. “We’re expecting big things this year. So I’m looking to do my part.”"
What to make of the Riverdale, Georgia native’s comments really comes down to perspective. However, for what it’s worth, the Bills were not expecting him to be available for OTAs, but remain fully confident he will be ready for the start of the 2017 campaign.
Overall, Glenn’s game still needs improving, mostly as a run-blocker. However, his availability in September is still key, as new Bills’ head coach Sean McDermott takes aim at ending the longest current playoff drought in the NFL.
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Other Bills’ players not in attendance at OTAs on Thursday:
WR Sammy Watkins (injury), C Eric Wood (rest), TE Charles Clay (rest), FB Mike Tolbert (n/a), OT Cyrus Kouandjio (injury), WR Kolby Listenbee (injury), TE Blake Annen (injury), QB Nathan Peterman (NFL Rookie Premiere), WR Zay Jones (injury), LB Eddie Yarbrough (n/a).
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How concerned are you about Glenn’s current status? Do you believe he will miss the start of the 2017 season, or are you confident he will be healthy and ready to play? Share your thoughts in the comments section.