Derrius Guice posted an encouraging video of his progress recovering from a torn ACL Tuesday. The Washington Redskins’ running back had previously posted videos of him running on a treadmill and sprinting, but in the latest clip, he is seen doing drills showcasing his ability to cut and accelerate.
Just as Guice’s video surfaces, Redskins head coach Jay Gruden laid out the plan for Guice getting back on the field while talking to media during the NFL’s owners meeting in Arizona.
Guice will get some individual work during OTAs, but will work mostly trainers. The plan is for him to be a full-go for training camp.
Guice tore his ACL in his left knee in last year’s preseason opener, negating the high exceptions the second-round pick had coming into the season. In December, news broke that Guice underwent three additional procedures after he developed an infection in the injured knee following surgery that delayed his recovery process.
Based off the videos, it appears he is making considerable progress to getting back for the 2019 season. The Redskins re-signed Adrian Peterson to a two-year deal this month after he led the team with 1,042 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in Guice’s absence.
Chris Thompson is returning from injuries that have plagued him back-to-back seasons. If healthy, the trio of Guice, Peterson, and Thompson could be stellar backfield for the Redskins. But Gruden cautions the Guice must prove he is healthy and just as explosive as he was before his injury.
“[Number 1] is Guice has gotta be healthy, Gruden emphasized per Craig Hoffman of 106.7 the Fan. “He’s gotta take care of his body. He’s a young player…We need to make sure he runs with the same energy and charisma he ran with before the injury.”