:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49225423/usa-today-9030191.0.jpg)
The injury bug is back. Sunday afternoon news broke that rising junior cornerback Nick Watkins will miss the rest of spring practice after suffering a broken humerus.
.@NDFootball junior CB Nick Watkins underwent successful surgery Saturday night.
— Michael Bertsch (@NDsidBertschy) April 3, 2016
READ: https://t.co/xQSfEyrgor pic.twitter.com/i8vGdjNbid
The humerus is the upper arm bone that extends from your elbow to your shoulder. Following surgery last night Watkins is not expected to miss very much time following rehab and should be more than ready to get back on the field for summer workouts.
The 6-0 1/2 and 200 pounder from Bishop Dunne High School in Dallas, Texas has mostly been a special teams player through his first two years and comes into the fall with 8 career tackles. However, he was thrust into his first starting role in the Fiesta Bowl against Ohio State where he collected 3 solo stops and 1 pass break-up.
Although the injury is not serious it comes at a bad time for Watkins as he was gaining confidence this spring and spending practice as the starting corner opposite Cole Luke. Less than 24 hours ago he was quoted in a story as saying, "I've failed if I'm not starting against Texas." He may still be the favorite to start but the opportunity opens for someone else to grab momentum heading into the summer.