Washington Commanders safety Kamren Curl confirmed he underwent thumb surgery to reporters. The safety was seen last week with his right arm in a sling and a cast over his hand.
Commanders head coach Ron Rivera didn’t provide details of Curl’s situation when originally asked last week. Rivera referred to the NFL rule not requiring the team to reveal any non-injured reserve injury until the official injury report is due on Wednesday.
After Monday’s practice, Curl gave insight into his situation. The injury occurred in Washington’s second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Curl was in uniform but worked off to the side during practice Monday. He hasn’t been ruled out for Sunday’s season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, it’s unclear when the cast will come off. The incision needs to heal first. He said there is a chance he could play with a soft cast, per ESPN’s John Keim.
Curl’s availability will be imperative for the Commanders. Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2020, he’s been the team’s most reliable safety. He worked from the Buffalo Nickel position as a rookie to starting strong safety last year.
The Commanders also have Bobby McCain at free safety. Darrick Forrest, Jeremy Reaves, and rookie Percy Butler are options to replace Curl if he isn’t able to play.
