Jake Grove injured?

F&*K !!!! That sucks and maybe I'm reading between the lines, but Shell's comments indicate to me that the injury seems serious. Perhaps IR level.....

Very interesting that Corey Hulsey gets the nod at C. I don't believe that Treu will make the squad. The Raiders will likely go with Hulsey and the rookie 7th rounder IMHO.
 
The Treu professional

August 23rd, 2006
By Jerry McDonald

It’s great to be Adam Treu.

You earn more money in a decade as a professional athlete than you probably ever dreamed of even as a high school star in Lincoln, Nebraska.

It’s frustrating to be Adam Treu.

You answer the call without complaint for a decade, only to be told over and over you’re simply not good enough to start unless there’s an emergency.

It happened to Treu again Wednesday, the day the Raiders broke a previously uneventful training camp. Jake Grove, who seemed fine Tuesday, has a shoulder injury which has yet to be diagnosed.

The details are sketchy, but coach Art Shell didn’t sound optimistic when talking to reporters. He first said it was a back injury before a P.R. staff member arrived with clarification.

But rather than plug Treu in as the starter _ as the Raiders have done 44 times since 2001 _ Corey Hulsey was moved from backup left guard to become the starting center.

Hulsey, near as anyone can tell, fared well subbing for starter Barry Sims (elbow) against San Francisco, although coach Art Shell wasn’t exactly effusive in his praise on Tuesday.

Yet it was apparently good enough to to move Hulsey ahead of Treu, who has been battling a sore back.

This is not a new phenomenon. In an emergency _ and there often were with predecessor Barret Robbins _ Treu was the man for the job. He strarted 14 games in 2001 after Robbins tore an ACL. He started the Super Bowl following the 2002 season for reasons which don’t need explanation.

He started 10 games last season because Grove had a bad knee.

But when given time to think about it before as season begins, the Raiders invariably go in another direction.

With Robbins attempting to recover from depression and alcoholism in 2003, Bill Callahan named Matt Stinchcomb, a former tackle and guard, the starting center. He cited Treu’s “lowers,'’ a weakness which has never been used before or since to my knowledge in the history of football.

When Robbins recovered, Stinchcomb moved aside. When Robbins’ knee gave out, they turned to Treu for the last four games.

Last season, Grove was handed the starting position _ which lasted until he hurt his knee and until they needed to move him to guard. Again, Treu was called upon.

The Stinchcomb situation was at least partially understandable in that he was a former first-round draft pick whom the team was trying to work into the lineup. Grove, a second-round pick, had a similar resume.

Hulsey is another story. He’s never been a center in the NFL. An undrafted player out of Clemson, Hulsey started 12 games as a rookie in 2001 but hasn’t started since.

There are a few factors at work here:

1) The Raiders are probably worried about Treu’s health and whether he can hold up.

2) The “lowers'’ Callahan referred to was just a strange way of saying Treu is not the sort of power-blocker teams want as their center. The 2006 Raiders have big plans to run the ball between the tackles.

3) The Raiders may have never intended to keep Treu on the roster in 2006, opting instead for rookie Chris Morris as the backup with Hulsey able to swing over in reserve.

Whatever the reason, Treu’s roster spot, health permitting, would seem to be on more solid ground with Grove’s injury.

The very essence of a professional, Treu will no doubt accept his fate with reluctance but without complaint. And if the Raiders suddenly need a starting center and don’t have much time to think about it, he’ll be back in the middle of things.

Again.
 
Yeah, I think they already know the extent of the injury but want to make sure....bummer.
 
Seriously. I've been very critical of Gallery, Grove, and Walker, but it would be nice to see them avoid injury for at least half a freakin' season and develop. At least we'd have a better indication of whether or not these dudes could play.

I'd LOVE to see all three pan out so that we could focus on DE/DT/OG in next year's draft.

Shit.
 
True is the long snapper so I think he does make the team. Uless there is spmebody else who can get that job done. I have no idea about that.
 
Bones - I think that rookie Chris Morris is also a long snapper. Prior to this (latest) injury to Grove, I felt that Treu was done as a Raider. If this injury is as serious as I suspect, Treu will make the squad again.
 
RaiderIVlife said:
Bones - I think that rookie Chris Morris is also a long snapper. Prior to this (latest) injury to Grove, I felt that Treu was done as a Raider. If this injury is as serious as I suspect, Treu will make the squad again.
Click to expand...
Yeah I think you're right about Morris. In that case maybe it's now time to cut ties with that old dog Treu... Might as well continue the youth movement

This is really too bad about Grove. No matter how much I was concerned about his development this is never good. He's gonna lose a whole year to get better and that really sucks. As if we don't have enough problems. And that it happened in practice is really shitty. Practice? We talkin'' about practice? :p

Bummer man!
 
Morris is also a long snapper. Treu wasn't needed prior to this injury issue, and still might not be if one of the kids, like Boothe, is a viable backup.
 
Grove's injury could be serious

By Bill Soliday



NAPA — That streak of injury-free training camp days came to a sudden halt Wednesday on the last day the team spent in Napa.
Starting Oakland Raiders center Jake Grove suffered what appears to be a serious shoulder injury that could require surgery.

News of the injury, which took place during Tuesday's practice, took both players and coach Art Shell by surprise. Grove finished practice Tuesday, complained of back and shoulder pain and was sent to a local medical facility where an MRI was performed.

At first, Shell said he had been told surgery was necessary. However, following practice, it was learned that a second MRI would be taken. The results will not be available until sometime today. The outcome will affect how long Grove will be out of action.

"We were healthy up until today when I got the news on Jake," Shell said. "That really shook me. But he'll be back, and we'll move on until he gets back. His teammates just have to rally around each other and trust each other."

HULSEY TO THE FORE: The name of the new center for Friday's game against the Detroit Lions was also a surprise, even to Grove's replacement.

It is guard Corey Hulsey, a five-year NFL vet who has spent three years on and off the Raiders roster. Even Hulsey acknowledged surprise that he was being moved to center, bypassing long-time backup Adam Treu.

"That's what I thought it was going to be, then they gave me the call," Hulsey said. "I'm happy, and so I'm going to go with it."

Hulsey, called "Big Country" by teammates, has played in 18 games for the Raiders, mainly on special teams but has exclusively been a guard until now. Originally signed as a rookie free agent by Buffalo, he started 11 games for the Bills in 2001 at right guard.

"When I first came here I was 350, 355 (pounds)," Hulsey said, explaining he had been asked to shed weight and was now at 319, his lowest weight since high school. "I'm quicker, more agile. I feel like I move a lot better now. I'm glad I got it off."

Hulsey has little experience at center with Oakland — playing preseason games in 2005 (vs. San Francisco) and this year (vs. Philadelphia).

"I've played center enough in my life to where it's comfortable enough," Hulsey said. "It's going to be a change, but we just have to go with it.

"It was a shock because I felt bad for Jake. We didn't know he was hurt. It's a valuable guy we lose. He's an excellent center."

EXTRA POINTS: DT Michael Quarshie, also injured Tuesday, has a torn ACL that will require surgery. ... Shell said the final Napa practice Wednesday afternoon was, surprisingly, crisp given the players rush to get back to their East Bay homes. "Normally, on a day like this, it's like pulling teeth, but we worked well today. We accomplished a lot up here in Napa. But we still have a lot to do." ... The team will practice this morning at its Alameda facility. ... The club announced that it will hold its second Raider Nation Celebration on Sunday at McAfee Coliseum starting at 4 p.m. Admission is free for suite and season ticketholders, $5 for non-season ticketholders. ... The Raiders face the first cutdown day of the season Sunday when they must trim the roster to 75 players.
 
At this point, if Treu was going to be the long snapper, then Morris should be able to handle that. If we are looking for someone with experience on the offensive line to round rookies, then Treu offers that. It depends on how much the second string offers also.
 
Hulsey becomes Raiders' center of attention
Art Shell learns that Jake Grove is out indefinitely with an injured shoulder.

By Jason Jones -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:01 am PDT Thursday, August 24, 2006


NAPA -- Art Shell was somber Wednesday afternoon. He almost made it through training camp without having a player suffer a serious injury.
Almost.

Shell found out Wednesday -- the final day of camp in Napa -- that starting center Jake Grove injured his left shoulder Tuesday. There was no definitive timetable for his return.

Grove is scheduled for a second MRI, but the look on Shell's face said he isn't sure when his starting center will be back in the lineup.

"These things happen," Shell said. "It's unfortunate that they do happen. He's a great guy, a great player, and he'll be back. … His teammates just have to rally around each other and trust each other. Whoever fills in will do a good job for us."

That guy Wednesday was Corey Hulsey. The five-year veteran started at left guard for the injured Barry Sims on Sunday against the 49ers.

Hulsey worked with the first-team offense at center Wednesday in place of Grove. The Raiders opted to use Hulsey instead of veteran backup center and long snapper Adam Treu.

Hulsey said he was shocked to hear Grove was out. The team didn't find out Grove was hurt until Wednesday morning.

Grove sat out part of practice Tuesday but finished the session.

Hulsey played center during the offseason and during the Raiders' preseason opener against Philadelphia.

Hulsey said that before that he hadn't played center in a game since an exhibition against the 49ers last year.

"The thing that's different is you don't really have to make all the calls, but the center's expected to sort of direct the line," Hulsey said. "The only other big thing is snapping. At guard, you just sit and go on the guy. At center, you've got to get the ball to the quarterback, and then you make your blocks and make your calls and stuff."

Shell doesn't anticipate Hulsey struggling with making calls because he has experience playing center.

"It won't be a problem, plus he's got other guys in there who can help him," Shell said. "They're all interchangeable, and they can do those types of things."

Hulsey hasn't been told how long he'll play center but, taking on Shell's personality, he wasn't looking too far ahead.

"All we're working on is this game," Hulsey said.

Notes -- The Detroit Lions will fly out Friday for the game. Most teams leave at least one day before a game.

• The Raiders went through camp without making a roster move, a rarity.


Raiders camp report

Quote of the day: "No. That was planned for us," Corey Hulsey, on his weight loss and that of other offensive linemen. Hulsey said he weighed 319 pounds, the lightest he has been since high school.
Play of the day: The last day of training camp demonstrated that turnover drills continue to be beneficial. Linebacker Sam Williams tipped a pass , and free safety Stuart Schweigert caught the ball just before it hit the grass.

Player watch: It didn't take long for Ronald Curry to participate in some plays with the first-team offense. The wide receiver missed the first four weeks of camp on the physically-unable-to-perform list because he was returning from a torn left Achilles' tendon. Curry ran and caught passes without limitations. That made sense because Curry said he was ready to play from Day 1.

Injury report: Defensive tackle Michael Quarshie's MRI revealed an anterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee. Coach Art Shell didn't say it was torn but added that Quarshie would be out for a while. Linebacker Timi Wusu (groin) and safety Michael Huff (ankle) were able to do drills away from the team but did not practice. Starting left guard Barry Sims returned to practice with a brace on his right elbow. But veteran backup Kelvin Garmon took snaps with the first-team offense at left guard.
 
Bad snap: Grove out with shoulder injury

David White

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Corey Hulsey can ditch the camouflage cap he wore after practice Wednesday. He's the new first-team center for the Raiders, so blending into the background is no longer an option for the little-known lineman from deep-south Georgia.

Hulsey, 29, is in because starting center Jake Grove is out with a left shoulder injury that could require surgery, dealing a serious blow to an offensive line just starting to jell.

Grove was injured in practice Tuesday. He is waiting for a second MRI, but Raiders coach Art Shell expects Grove to require surgery.

"It's a helluva curveball," Shell said. "We were healthy up until (Wednesday) when I got the news about Jake. That really shook me."

It's the first serious injury to a starter in camp, and the diagnosis came on the final day of training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. The team ended its monthlong stay in Napa with an afternoon practice before returning to its permanent facility in Alameda.

Until Grove went down, there had not been one change at the top of the depth chart since camp started.

"As far as getting the news, yeah, I was shocked," Hulsey said. "We didn't know that he was hurt. It's a valuable guy to lose."

Hulsey, in his sixth NFL season out of Clemson, started at left guard against the 49ers on Sunday, filling in for Barry Sims (injured elbow). He played center in one preseason game and during scout-team drills last year, but has otherwise focused on guard, his self-described natural position.

He got the nod at center ahead of Adam Treu, a 10-year veteran who started 10 games at center last season. Hulsey will be responsible for directing the line and making calls at the line of scrimmage. And, of course, snapping the ball.

Treu's "who I thought it was going to be, and then they gave me the call," Hulsey said. "I'm happy, so I'm going to go with it."

Sims dressed for practice but did not participate in contact drills. Kelvin Garmon, a free-agent pickup from Cleveland, took first-team snaps at left guard.

Checkout time: The final air horn blew at 4:50 p.m., followed by cheers and skipping for joy. Some players didn't bother showering, they were that ready to leave Napa.

"Pack 'em up," someone yelled in all the celebrating.

Stuart Schweigert and Doug Gilbert raced to be first to the locker room. Chris Carr tossed a football in the air like a graduation cap in June.

The Raiders practice at their facility in Alameda today in final preparation for Friday's home game against the Detroit Lions.

"Now we go to ... I almost said El Segundo," Shell said, referring to the organization's home when Shell coached the team in Los Angeles. "Go to Alameda and continue the process."

Turnover rate: The Raiders defense continues to feast on errant passes. Cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Raymond Washington, linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba and free safety Schweigert had interceptions at practice Wednesday. Asomugha dropped a potential fifth pass earlier in practice.

The Raiders have five interceptions in three exhibition games. They had five interceptions all of last season.

Briefly: The Raider Nation Celebration is 12-4 p.m. Sunday at the Coliseum, featuring Raiders coaches, current and former players and the Raiderettes. Admission is free for suite and season-ticket holders, $5 for others. ... Defensive tackle Michael Quarshie, fourth on the depth chart, injured his left-knee anterior cruciate ligament in practice Tuesday and is out indefinitely.
 
RAIDERS Starting center Grove may be lost
Team awaiting MRI results on injured shoulder; Garmon steps into lineup

By PHIL BARBER


NAPA - The Raiders broke training camp Wednesday, and not a moment too soon. Apparently, the dreaded injury bug - second in these parts only to the glassy winged sharpshooter as a menace - is raging in Napa.

A day after the team suffered several injuries during practice, coach Art Shell announced that starting center Jake Grove is down with a shoulder problem. Grove had one MRI exam and was scheduled for another, but several questions went unanswered - like what exactly is wrong with the shoulder? And when precisely will we know?

If Grove were to miss a substantial portion of the season, it could be a blow to a line that is missing left guard Barry Sims in the short term and is still trying to find its identity after being significantly reconfigured by Shell and his line assistants, Jackie Slater and Irv Eatman.

Grove, a second-round draft choice in 2004, has been a steady member of the line, but he has struggled with injuries. Last year, he started eight games at center and two at left guard, missing six after tearing cartilage in his right knee. Grove apparently hurt his left shoulder at practice Tuesday, and teammates were surprised to hear it might be serious.

"We were healthy up until today when I got the news on Jake," Shell said. "That really shook me."

Corey Hulsey, who started Sunday at left guard against the 49ers in place of Barry Sims (who has an injured right elbow), shifted to center for scrimmages Wednesday afternoon. Kelvin Garmon, a seven-year pro and first-time Raider who is coming back from a major knee injury, moved in at left guard.

Hulsey spent all of last season and portions of 2003 and 2004 with the Raiders. But he has been used primarily on special teams and as a second tight end in short-yardage situations. Center has never been his primary position.

"I've played center enough in my life to where it's comfortable enough," Hulsey said. "(But) it's definitely going to be an adjustment. It's different playing guard. Now, you have to direct the line, you're making the calls and then you've got to snap the ball, too."

Fortunately, Hulsey showed up to training camp 10 to 15 pounds lighter than he played in 2005 - as stipulated by Shell and his coaches - which should help him at center.

Garmon is an interesting ingredient in this mix. He's had a solid career, having started for Dallas, San Diego and Cleveland before blowing out the posterior cruciate ligament of his right knee. He hasn't played since midseason 2004. His elevation to the first team, however temporary, seems to prove that he has regained at least a portion of his skills.

"I blocked for the best there is and the best there was in Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson," Garmon said. "So I have credentials. I've played a lot of games, my backs have always been good, and I think Art Shell and the offensive line coaches see I'm a run blocker, and that's what he wants to establish."

Of course, this could be much ado about nothing if Grove's MRI turns up negative. On Wednesday, everyone seemed prepared for the worst.

EXTRA POINTS

DT Michael Quarshie injured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee, and he is expected to be out for some time.
 
RaiderIVlife said:
Seriously. I've been very critical of Gallery, Grove, and Walker, but it would be nice to see them avoid injury for at least half a freakin' season and develop. At least we'd have a better indication of whether or not these dudes could play.

I'd LOVE to see all three pan out so that we could focus on DE/DT/OG in next year's draft.

Shit.
Click to expand...

We have guards in McQuistan and Boothe. The defensive line does need some first day draft picks. Considering that Jordan's contract would be coming up, I would like to find another running back in the draft.
 
My guess is that Grove is done for the season.

Next.

Can't cry over spilled milk. They aren't going to reschedule games because Grove got injured. Somebody needs to step up -- pure and simple.
 
As much of a Grove fan as I am, he now has the injury prone tagged firmly affixed to him. 3 years, 3 semi-major injuries causing him to miss portions of the season.

Even if he is able to develope into the stellar center that he shows the flashes of potential to become, the team must have a viable backup who can fill in at a moments notice, one who is familiar with the nuances of being the center and the additional responsibilities.

Needless to say I'll be keeping a close eye on Husley Friday night.
 
brick said:
As much of a Grove fan as I am, he now has the injury prone tagged firmly affixed to him. 3 years, 3 semi-major injuries causing him to miss portions of the season.

Even if he is able to develope into the stellar center that he shows the flashes of potential to become, the team must have a viable backup who can fill in at a moments notice, one who is familiar with the nuances of being the center and the additional responsibilities.

Needless to say I'll be keeping a close eye on Husley Friday night.
Click to expand...
Good point brick...this injury thing is get to be a nuisance. It's part of the game though and I'm not going to ring my hands over it. It is what it is.

Like I said, if Grove, Gallery, curry or Sam Williams can't stay healthy that's the breaks (no pun intended) --- NEXT.
 
No surgery for Raiders' Grove, still out 3-4 weeks


ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Raiders center Jake Grove received good news Thursday when doctors told him he will not need surgery on his injured left shoulder and is expected to miss less than a month.


"It's not as bad as what they thought it would be," said Grove, who feared he would miss 12 weeks if he needed an operation. "I'm not going to have to have surgery. Hopefully it will be 3-to-4 weeks at the most. It looks like I dodged a bullet this time."

Grove injured his shoulder on the first play of practice Tuesday and tried to play through it at first, but the pain became too much.

Grove underwent two MRIs and said doctors told him Thursday that the injury was only a muscle strain.

Grove will be replaced for now by Corey Hulsey, who started last week at left guard and played mostly as an extra tight end and on special teams last season.
 
:::sigh of relief:::

I was kind of impressed with Hulsey during the 49er game...he may be a bit stronger than Grove. I think he will do well and we get to develop a backup in case injury occurs again.
 
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