Per Gary Klein of the LA Times, Los Angeles Rams WR Tavon Austin had wrist surgery yesterday:
Austin underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left wrist on Thursday. The Rams, in the second phase of off-season workouts, begin OTAs May 23. Austin is expected to be ready when training camp begins in late July.
It’s an interesting bit of news on an otherwise unremarkable Friday as we continue to push Phase II of the 2017 offseason schedule toward Phase III and with it the allowable 10 organized team activities with rookie minicamp opening in just a week. Here’s hoping Austin shows up to camp 100%.
Austin posted an Instagram with his arm in a brace after Week 3’s win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He went through that week on the injury report with a shoulder injury. He was listed in December with a “chest” injury, but otherwise nothing related to this injury was made public.
As the #8 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft whom the Rams traded up for, Austin has been a disappointment given the lofty hype that preceded his arrival. Throw in his massive contract extension that he signed just last offseason, and perhaps no player represents the empty promise of the Fisherball era.
With the Rams having drafted four wide receivers in the last two drafts to go along with free agent signing WR Robert Woods, Austin is one of just two wide receivers from the initial 2015 53-man roster who remains with the team, the other being Bradley Marquez. It’s a crucial year for Austin’s employment as the Rams transition from the only full-time NFL head coach Austin has ever played for, Jeff Fisher, has made way for Sean McVay.
Austin hit career highs last year with 106 targets, 58 receptions and 509 yards, though he did fall just short of Fisher’s prediction of 100 catches.
Austin turned 26-years old in March. He’s under contract through the 2021 season.