Report: Olivier Vernon’s status uncertain following sprained ankle

The New York Giants may have to begin their 2018 season without one of their best pass-rushers, as Olivier Vernon was carted off the practice field on Sunday and is dealing with an ankle injury.

While the injury initially looked bad, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Vernon was diagnosed with a sprain and has a “deep bruise” on his upper ankle. That’s obviously better than a break or tear, but it doesn’t mean Vernon will be ready to get back to work immediately.

More on Olivier Vernon: The key part of the injury is a deep bruise high up on his ankle. This will keep Vernon off his feet. But a timeline isn’t clear until the team sees how he responds in the next day or so. X-Rays, of course, were negative. https://t.co/uiRPCGn0OB

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 27, 2018

Vernon recorded 15.5 sacks over the past two seasons with the Giants, and it goes without saying that their defense would take a huge step back if he were unable to play in Week 1 and beyond.