yahoo
All eyes will be fixed on Jordyn Tyson when the rookie wide receiver suits up for his inaugural New Orleans Saints game. The weight of expectations is heavy for any top-ten draft selection, and Tyson has just resumed practicing after being sidelined since mid-August with a hamstring injury. With the Saints mired at a 2-5 record, the urgency for Tyson to contribute on game day grows by the week.
Among those watching Tyson's progress with particular interest is Hines Ward, the former NFL wide receiver who served as Tyson's position coach at Arizona State. In a Wednesday conversation with Blake Niemann of FOX 10 Phoenix, Ward shared his thoughts on Tyson's rehabilitation. "I talked to him yesterday," Ward said. "Always praying for him, and, more than anything, I think he's finally healthy. It's been a long journey. Had the hamstring, was trying to prep and trying to get ready for the draft, ended up hurting it again. It is what it is, that's just a part of football, injuries are that. So I just want to be there, see him when he's making his first NFL catch, man. Right when he does make that catch I'll shoot him a text (and) tell him I love him. Just wish him (the best). He's gonna be a good one. I'm just glad to see him finally get healthy now."
Tyson's hamstring troubles are well-documented. As Ward noted, Tyson attempted to play through a hamstring issue during his final season at Arizona State, only to aggravate it while training for drills at the NFL Scouting Combine. The problem resurfaced at the close of Saints training camp, further delaying his development.
Ward, who concluded his NFL career with exactly 1,000 receptions—ranking 18th all-time—has been a valuable mentor and resource for Tyson. The hope is that Tyson can remain healthy and eventually approach similar milestones as his professional journey unfolds. However, before any thoughts of chasing records, Tyson must first dress for his first game.
He practiced on a limited basis Wednesday and must demonstrate readiness for Sunday's home matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The Saints have some flexibility to ease him back into full practice repetitions before they must activate him from injured reserve, but whenever Tyson finally crosses that threshold, his debut will attract attention from across the country, including Arizona.
Originally reported by yahoo.