Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien will start Sunday’s season opener against the Carolina Panthers with a cast on his hand and forearm that goes up to his elbow.
The team’s second-round pick in 2013 downplays the injury, saying it’s nothing major, just a broken finger that is healing, and doesn’t expect it to hamper his tackling.
“If I’m tackling the way I should be [wrapping up runners], I shouldn’t need my fingers,’’ he said. “If you’re using your fingers, you’re grabbing.’’
Cyprien came in the league with aspirations of being one of the best safeties in the league.