When we last we heard of the progress James Rodgers was making in his recovery from a knee injury, the Oregon State wide receiver’s status for the start of summer camp, let alone the 2011 season, was very much up in the air.
Three months later, that remains to be the case, although there appears to be an air of “cautious optimism” surrounding the explosive playmaker.
Speaking to Kerry Eggers of the Portland Tribune, with a tip o’ the cap to Ted Miller‘s ESPN.com Pac-12 blog, head coach Mike Riley gave an update on several of his dinged players during a conversation earlier this week. Specifically, Riley spoke on Rodgers and how doctors continue to believe he’ll play this season, although his availability for camp from the get-go appears highly doubtful.
“James is on a treadmill, jogging, walking without a limp,” Riley told the Tribune. “He can jog out on the field. I’m encouraged, although conservatively. I don’t want to put any unreasonable or unknowledgeable expectations.
“The doctor thinks he’ll be ready to play football this season. He thought James might be a little late getting into camp, but he didn’t put any more restrictions on it than that.”
Rodgers tore ligaments in his left knee during a 29-27 upset win over then-No. 9 Arizona Oct. 9, and subsequently underwent a pair surgical procedures on the damaged joint. In January, he was granted a medical hardship for the 2010 season, giving him another season of eligibility.
In other Beaver injury news, starting quarterback Ryan Katz underwent surgery earlier this offseason on his throwing wrist and did not participate fully in spring practice. Based on Riley’s words, it appears the starter is progressing well in his recovery from the injury.
“He is still not totally cleared. He is not taking direct snaps, and he can’t do all the lifts,” Riley said. “But he’s able to do a lot of the stuff that’s important, like throwing the ball and running.”
While Riley didn’t expressly state it, it’s believed Katz will be 100-percent healthy for the start of summer camp in early August.