Report: Brian Cushing Suffered Torn ACL

By: Kim O'Hara | Posted: October 09, 2012

 

Per league source, MRI confirms Brian Cushing's torn ACL.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 9, 2012

 

This would confirm the Texans' worst fears, as Brian Cushing is an integral part of the NFL's third-ranked defense. Cushing was off to a hot start in 2012, posting 29 tackles, one forced fumble and one interception through four games (and a portion of a fifth). 

Houston is no stranger to replacing vital portions of its defense; when defensive end Mario Williams sat out most of last season, the Texans hardly missed a beat. The biggest issue to arise from Cushing's injury may be how it occurred. Jets left guard Matt Slauson committed a low cut block on Cushing early in the second quarter, which looked questionable but failed to draw a flag. Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews Tweeted a response to the play, saying: 

Where is the NFL's protection on blocks below the waist like that on Cushing. Double standard!

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) October 9, 2012

The NFL has taken great measures in protecting offensive players in recent years, most notably with the quarterback knee-protecting Brady Rule. But it's important to remember that quarterbacks aren't the only players with knees. Shouldn't both sides of the ball benefit from the NFL's emphasis on safety?

Kim O'Hara is the Associate Editor of TheFootballGirl.com. She is an avid fan of sports in general, but the NFL in particular. She has also been a contributor to ESPN the Magazine. Follow her on Twitter: @arahomik      

Check out more After Further Review...

Write a comment

• Required fields are marked with *.

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Comment: *

Help prevent spam - enter security code above: