LaRon Byrd

MILESTONES
NFL debut: 10/14/12 (at BUF)... First reception: 12/23/12 (vs. CHI, 8 yards from Ryan Lindley)

TRANSACTIONS
Originally entered the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals as a college free agent on April 30, 2012... Waived by the Cardinals on April 4, 2014... Signed with the Dallas Cowboys on May 1, 2014... Waived by the Cowboys on August 30, 2014... Claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns on August 31, 2014... Waived by the Browns on October 3, 2014... Signed to the Cowboys’ practice squad on October 7, 2014... Released from the Cowboys’ practice squad on October 9, 2014... Signed to the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad on October 21, 2014... Released from the Dolphins’ practice squad on December 2, 2014... Re-signed with the Dolphins on April 15, 2015... Waived by the Dolphins on August 30, 2015... Signed to the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad on September 16, 2015... Released from the Falcons’ practice squad on November 3, 2015... Signed to the Washington Redskins’ practice squad on November 9, 2015.


(redskins.com)

The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have signed wide receiver LaRon Byrd to the practice squad, and released tackle Pierce Burton from the practice squad.

Byrd, 6-4, 220 pounds, was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as a college free agent following the 2012 NFL Draft out of Miami. He played in four games for the Cardinals in 2012. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and saw action in one game. Byrd also spent part of the 2014 season on the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.

Burton, 6-6, 305 pounds, was originally signed by the Minnesota Vikings as a rookie free agent in 2014 out of Mississippi. He is a native of Sacramento, CA.


(atlantafalcons.com)

#NFL #proCane Cuts: #Jets QB Jake Heaps, #Eagles OL Jared Wheeler, #Chargers DL Luther Robinson, #Bears DL Olsen Pierre, #Dolphins WR LaRon Byrd, #Vikings DB DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Full-extension, 34-yard diving catches are still cool. Even in the preseason #MIAvsCHI http://t.co/iubNi9XELE

— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2015

DAVIE - Miami Dolphins receiver LaRon Byrd suffered what a source is labeling a minor injury to his lower extremity during Tuesday's practice.

The former University of Miami standout spent five minutes on the practice field having his left hip area examined by the Dolphins' medical team. The team initially put Byrd on the training cart and took him inside the facility

Before suffering the injury Byrd, who played four years for the University of Miami, where he caught 106 passes for 1,254 yards and scored seven touchdowns, had a respectable first week of practice with the Dolphins.

It appeared Byrd was running with the second-team offense because he was often paired with quarterback Matt Moore.

Last year, Byrd spent five weeks impressing Dolphins coaches while on the team's practice squad before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early December. The Dolphins re-signed him back in April hoping his size (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) could fill a void.

If Byrd has to be sidelined because of the injury he'll become the third receiver shelved because of a lower extremity issue. DeVante Parker, the Dolphins' 2015 first-round pick, had a screw in his left foot surgically replaced back in June, and Kenny Stills sat out his second straight practice because of a left calf injury he's been nursing since mini-camp back in June....


(sun-sentinel.com)

The Dolphins have met veteran wide receivers Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree recently, but they signed a less familiar name on Wednesday.

Miami announced that they’ve signed LaRon Byrd to their 90-man roster. Byrd will be returning to the city where he played his college ball with the University of Miami Hurricanes and where he spent time on the practice squad last year.

Byrd has bounced around the league for the last few years, getting his first taste of playing time with the Cardinals in 2012 after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. He was waived last April and played one game for the Browns between a pair of stints on the Cowboys roster. Byrd’s only reception, an eight-yard catch, came with the Cardinals in 2012.

That’s not a ton of experience, but the Dolphins depth chart at receiver is pretty short on it once you get past Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills and Rishard Matthews. Barring several additions to the group via the draft or other means, Byrd should compete for one of the lower spots in the pecking order.


(profootballtalk.com)

The Miami Dolphins plan to re-sign former Hurricanes receiver LaRon Byrd this week, according to a source.

yrd played four years for the University of Miami, where he caught 106 passes for 1,254 yards and scored seven touchdowns.

Last year, Byrd spent five weeks impressing Dolphins coaches while on the team's practice squad before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in early December.

The Dolphins placed Byrd, who is 6-foot-4, 205 pounds and runs a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash, on injured reserve with a practice squad designation.

He was an unrestricted free agent Miami wanted to re-sign, but couldn't until he passed his physical, which happened earlier this week.

Now Byrd will join a young receiving corp that  features Jarvis Landry, Kenny Stills, Rishard Matthews, Matt Hazel, the team's 2014 sixth-round pick, and two newcomers, Michael Preston and Tyler McDonald.

After leaving UM,  Byrd was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 201, and played in four games as a rookie before being placed on injured reserve due to concussion symptoms.

Last season he spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Brown, making one appearance with the Browns before being released on Oct. 3. He joined the Dolphins shortly afterward and will now battle to make the 53-man roster or earn a practice squad spot.

During his NFL career Byrd has played in five games, but has only caught one pass for 8 yards while a member of the Cardinals in 2012.


(sun-sentinel.com)

The Miami Dolphins are signing wide receiver LaRon Byrd to the practice squad, according to a report from the National Football Post's Aaron Wilson. No corresponding move has been announced to open the space on the practice squad.

Byrd was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He appeared in four games his rookie season, but landed on injured reserve for the 2013 season due to concussion symptoms. This season, he has spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns, making one appearance with the Browns. He played seven snaps in the season opener for Cleveland against the PIttsburgh Steelers.

He has one career reception for eight yards.

At 6-foot-4, Byrd is the tallest wide receiver on the roster or practice squad for Miami. He is two inches taller than starter Brian Hartline and is tied with Dion Sims as the tallest of the receivers and tight ends.

Byrd played four years for the University of Miami from 2008 to 2011. He caught 106 passes for 1,254 yards and seven touchdowns.


(thephinsider.com)

IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys made two practice-squad moves Tuesday, re-signing linebacker Keith Smith and adding wide receiver LaRon Byrd.

To make room for Byrd, the Cowboys released Tim Benford.

Smith was cut on Monday when the Cowboys added safety Jakar Hamilton to 53-man roster after his roster exemption expired. With injuries to Rolando McClain (groin) and Bruce Carter (quadriceps), it is possible Smith will be re-signed to the active roster by the end of the week.

Byrd was cut last week by the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in one game but did not have a catch. The Browns claimed Byrd off waivers after he caught seven passes for 103 yards and a touchdown in the preseason for the Cowboys.


(espn.com)

The Browns were awarded wide receiver Rodney Smith off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced Friday.

The Browns also waived wide receiver LaRon Byrd.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Smith appeared in the 2014 season opener. He was inactive the past three games.

Last year, Smith signed with the Vikings as an undrafted rookie from Florida State. He spent the first five weeks on the Vikings’ practice squad before being elevated to the active roster. He appeared in four games and was in active for seven.

Smith has appeared in five NFL regular-season games. He has yet to tally a catch.

A Miami native, Smith started 34 of 48 career games at Florida State and compiled 106 receptions for 1,540 yards and 10 touchdowns.


(ohio.com)

BEREA — LaRon Byrd arrived at Browns headquarters and joined his new teammates partway through practice Monday afternoon. He immediately became the biggest receiver (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) on the field.

“I’m definitely excited,” he said. “The opportunity is there. You have to come in and listen to the coaches, work hard in practice and hopefully that leads to great production.”

Byrd was cut by the Cowboys on Saturday and claimed by the Browns off waivers. He caught seven passes for 103 yards with a touchdown during the preseason, and said he missed out on a roster spot in Dallas due to injuries on the defense.

He plans to pepper the Cleveland coaches with questions in an attempt to learn the playbook and be ready to play Sunday in the season opener in Pittsburgh.

“I want to get on the field,” he said. “I want to contribute to the team. I don’t want to just be a guy on the roster. This is my job. I’m going to be in the coaches’ ear. They’re probably going to be tired of me by the end of this week, but I have to get it and hopefully I’ll get it by the end of this weekend.”

Byrd’s in his third season after being undrafted out of the University of Miami. He played in four games with the Cardinals in 2012, catching one pass for 8 yards. He didn’t play last year after being put on injured reserve with a concussion. He appeared in 51 games at Miami, totaling 106 receptions for 1,254 yards and seven touchdowns.

Byrd realizes size could be what separates him in the battle for playing time. Besides Miles Austin (6-2, 215), the rest of the receivers are undersized: Andrew Hawkins is 5-7, 180, Travis Benjamin 5-10, 175 and Taylor Gabriel 5-8, 167.

“I have size, I have talent and deceptive speed,” Byrd said. “I just have to put all of that together and contribute that on the field.”
Size isn’t his only attribute.

“My willingness to work, my willingness to block,” he said. “Just that dog. That dog in me. I don’t take no for an answer. I’m not scared of competition. I go into a game with the mindset I’m the best on the field.”


(northcoastnow.com)

BEREA: New Browns wide receiver LaRon Byrd lacks experience and production in the NFL, but not confidence.

“I’ve got that dog in me,” Byrd said Monday after his first practice with the Browns. “I don’t take no for an answer. I’m not scared of competition. I go into a game with the mindset I’m the best on the field. A lot of people might say, ‘This guy hasn’t been in the league long.’ But that’s just my mindset. That’s the belief I have in myself.”

The Browns claimed the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Byrd off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. He hopes to play in the regular-season opener Sunday at Pittsburgh.

“I want to get on the field,” Byrd said. “I want to contribute to the team. I don’t want to just be a guy on the roster. This is my job. I’m going to be in the coaches’ ear. They’re probably going to be tired of me by the end of this week.”

As an undrafted rookie from the University of Miami, Byrd appeared in four regular-season games in 2012 with the Arizona Cardinals and caught just one pass for 8 yards. He suffered a concussion during the 2013 preseason and sat out the rest of the year. The Cowboys signed him May 1 after the Cardinals cut him the previous month.

Byrd, 25, had seven catches for 103 yards and a touchdown this preseason.

“I showed I belong in this league and I can contribute to this game,” Byrd said. “My job is to come here and work hard and never get complacent. The preseason really doesn’t count, but I have to do that and translate that into the regular season.”

The Browns need Byrd to back up his talk. Last week, the NFL suspended All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon for at least the entire 2014 season, creating a huge void on offense.

“Everybody in the NFL, no matter what team it is, you always want to go into the situation with a great opportunity,” Byrd said. “Josh is a great receiver, so definitely having him here would be a great plus to the team. Unfortunately, he’s not here, so it’s the next-man-up mentality. I didn’t want it to play out like that for him to be out for me to get an opportunity, but you have to have that next-man-up mentality.”


(ohio.com)

It was one of the busiest NFL proCane roster cut weekends of all-time. See below all the action.

WR LaRon Byrd was cut by the Dallas Cowboys who signed him this offseason, but was quickly picked up by the Cleveland Browns and placed on their active roster.

DB Brandon Harris was cut by the Texans, who drafted him out of Miami 3 years ago, but was also quickly picked up and added to the Titans active roster.

Practice Squad Signings: Stephen Morris: Jags, Tommy Streeter: Dolphins, Chase Ford: Vikings, Erik Swoope: Colts, Brandon Washington: Rams, Harland Gunn: Falcons, Micanor Regis: Panthers, Asante Cleveland: 49ers.

Cuts: Maurice Hagens: Falcons, Eric Winston: Seahawks, Richard Gordon: Chiefs, Tyler Horn: Titans, Jared Wheeler: Bills.

LaRon Byrd arrived in Berea Monday afternoon via Dallas. The former Cowboys receiver was claimed by the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and met with reporters for the first time. Byrd gave a pretty convincing case for why the Browns might count on the 25-year-old sooner rather than later.

“I don’t want to just be a guy on the roster,” said Byrd. “I want to be a guy that contributes to the team. This is my job. I have to pick up [the offense] as fast as I can. So I’ll be in the coaches ears. They’ll probably be tired of me by the end of this week.”

Byrd caught seven passes for 103 yards with a touchdown for Dallas during the 2014 preseason and was quick to praise the Cowboys for letting him showcase his talent. Because of Dallas’ need for extra defensive players, Byrd got caught up in a numbers game once final cuts arrived.

“Having a solid preseason, I showed I belong in this league,” said Byrd.

Byrd went undrafted from the University of Miami in 2012, but latched on with the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. He appeared in four games in 2012, playing mostly special teams, but was placed on injured reserve in August of 2013 because of a concussion. The Cardinals released Byrd in April and he soon thereafter signed with the Cowboys.

What separates Byrd from the other pass catchers on the Browns’ roster is his height. At 6-foot-4, he and Miles Austin are the two biggest passing targets for Brian Hoyer. As cliché as it is, the one thing the Browns can’t coach is size. Byrd listed his other strengths: his willingness to work, his deceptive speed, his blocking skills and his attitude.

“I’ve got that dog in me,” said Byrd. “I don’t take no for an answer. I’m not scared of competition. I go into the game with the mindset that I’m the best on the field. A lot of people may say, ‘This guy hasn’t even been in the league long.’ But that’s just my mindset and the belief I have in myself.”

There will be an adjustment period for Byrd, who will be learning his third NFL offense in under a year. The Browns have to submit a 46-man roster 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Byrd is hopeful a crash course test on the offense will lead to him being on the turf at Heinz Field.

“It’s the next-man-up mentality,” said Byrd.


(clevelandbrowns.com)

(vine.com)

OXNARD, Calif. -- LaRon Byrd was on injured reserve last season with the Arizona Cardinals because of a concussion. He might as well have disappeared.

"It's mentally frustrating because you want to play football," Byrd said. "This is what you do. This is what you dream of being and being home watching it, that's the hardest part. But in a way it helps you because it regains your focus and it just shows how bad you want it and how bad you're going to come for it. I busted my tail in the weight room, busted my tail in the offseason, got back in shape, got my weight down and I feel good again."

His NFL experience is not a ton, but it shows through in practice.

The Cardinals released Byrd in April. The Cowboys signed him on May 1. Through the early part of training camp Byrd has inserted himself into the conversation with his play. He is big (6-4, 225 pounds). He can make contested catches, like his touchdown in red zone drills between defensive backs while going to the ground. He can go up and get the ball.

Jason Garrett likes to call receivers like Byrd, "quarterback friendly." In other words, the pass does not have to be perfect for Byrd to make the catch.

"Finally getting back into the mode of football," he said.

Byrd made the Cardinals as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and caught one pass for 8 yards in four games. He also contributed two special teams' tackles. In that preseason he led the Cardinals with 12 catches to go with 148 yards.

The road to the Cowboys' final roster will not be an easy one for Byrd. Five receivers are penciled in -- Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Dwayne Harris and Devin Street -- and they would have to go lighter at another position to carry a sixth.

Byrd has learned not to play the numbers' game.

"At the end of the day it's football," Byrd said. "You can only do what you can control. What you control is you coming out here and working hard and doing what you got to do. Everything else, that's the front office and the coaches' job. As far as me, I have confidence in myself."


(espn.com)

LaRon Byrd with 2 TDs in 7 on 7

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) July 31, 2014

Check out LaRon Byrd Showing Off On The JUGS Machine: http://www.dallascowboys.com/multimedia/videos/LaRon-Byrd-Shows-Off-On-The-JUGS-Machine/aea7d4b0-f245-4eae-8906-ce9b1aa51544?campaign=social_20140731_28851766


(dallascowboys.com)

IRVING — Although he didn’t totally agree with the decision at the time, LaRon Byrd is thankful the Arizona Cardinals didn’t turn their backs on him and throw him back onto the football field.

At least the wide receiver knows the Cardinals cared about his well being.

Two days before the Cardinals’ first preseason game last summer, Byrd ran a slant route and was upended by a defender, landing on his head. Byrd suffered a concussion and had to sit out the entire preseason and regular season.

After much soul-searching, Byrd is in complete agreement with the Cardinals’ decision to keep him sidelined for the entire 2013 season.

“With the concussion deal, I thought I was going to be cleared up and then back at it, but with the Cardinals, I guess they were just taking precautions,” Byrd said. “And then during that time the NFL had a big old lawsuit going on, so I guess it’s just business.”

Last August the NFL reached a $765 million settlement with nearly 5,000 former players, who alleged the league misled them about the long-term dangers of concussions. A federal judge rejected the settlement in January.

Byrd, meanwhile, slept well knowing that the Cardinals had his best interest at heart.

“They were basically covering themselves and making sure everything was OK on the home front, and I kind of respect that,” Byrd said. “I felt like they did me a service of also just making sure I was OK instead of just throwing me out there.”

The Cardinals eventually released Byrd on April 4 and the Hahnville, La., native signed with the Dallas Cowboys on April 26.

The Cowboys, of course, were aware of Byrd’s only bout with a concussion prior to offering him a contract. But those concerns are no longer an issue as Byrd has been a solid contributor during the squad’s organized team activities.

“We had to do a lot of diligence to make sure there were no issues, but he’s been great so far, so hopefully he’ll keep that up,” receivers coach Derek Dooley said. “He has a great attitude, he’s got a really good work ethic — and it always starts with those two things — and he’s made some plays for us.

“So he’s just got to keep doing what he’s doing. It’s a long process, and hopefully we’ll feel the same way in training camp.”

Byrd signed with the Cardinals in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami, where he had 106 career receptions for 1,254 yards and seven touchdowns in 51 games. But he played only four games with the Cards as a rookie, catching just one pass for eight yards and collecting two special teams tackles.

That limited action, coupled with his inactivity last year, has Byrd facing the reality of his situation.

“This season is real big for me,” he said. “I would say it’s the turning point of my career.

“It’s definitely important basically for me just to let people know I can play this game. And also to let the coaches and everybody know I’m healthy.”

Dooley anticipates it will take time before the shine comes back to Byrd’s game. But he steadfastly believes that the 24-year old speedster can help the Cowboys.

“I think any time you’re out of ball you’re going to develop a lot of rust on you, which you’ve got to knock off because the only way to play well is to play well a lot,” Dooley said. “When you’ve been off for a while it takes you awhile to kind of get back into that rhythm of what it felt like.

“But I think he’s there. I think he’s gotten a little comfortable out there and now it’s a matter of just improving his skills.”

With Arizona, Byrd was able to learn his position from one of the game’s best — eight-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. Byrd even plans to attend Fitzgerald’s football camp in Minnesota next month, as he did last year.

“[Fitzgerald] is one of the best in the league and he’s going to be a Hall of Famer one day,” Byrd said. “There never was one time that I asked him a question that he didn’t help me.

“It was more like a little brother, big brother type relationship that we had. Even to this day, we text and call each other and I ask him certain things about how defensive backs play me and how should I attack them.”

At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Byrd is currently the tallest receiver on the Cowboys’ roster. That could bolster his chances of making the final roster.

“LaRon’s got good size, he’s got a little experience because he’s been in the league a couple of years, so he’s very mature from that standpoint,” Dooley said. “He’s a very big target, he’s got good hands and he’s smart.

“Now it’s just about going out there and trying to create a role for himself.”


(star-telegram.com)

The Dallas Cowboys added to their wide receiver depth Thursday by signing LaRon Byrd one week before the NFL draft.

Byrd (6-4, 220) played college football at Miami and was originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2012. In four games with Arizona in 2012, Byrd had one catch for eight yards. He also made two special teams tackles with Arizona during his two seasons.

Byrd, 24, missed all of last season after suffering a concussion during the preseason, leading to Arizona putting him on the reserve/injured list. Byrd was released by Arizona on April 4.

Byrd finished his Hurricanes career with 106 receptions for 1,254 yards (11.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns while appearing in 51 games with 16 starts.

Byrd prepped at Hahnville High School in Boutte, La., where as a senior he caught 50 passes for 630 yards and 13 touchdowns at receiver and also played safety and recorded three interceptions.


(dallasnews.com)

The Dallas Cowboys are still searching for another wide receiver in the free agency market, leading them to take a closer look at former Arizona Cardinals wideout LaRon Byrd, according to a source close to situation on Thursday.

Byrd, an undrafted wideout out of Miami, spent his first two seasons with the Cardinals organization, but never had a chance to play a single NFL-sanctioned game. The Cards eventually released Byrd on April 4, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Needing to get some insurance for starting wide receiver Dez Bryant and Terrence Williams, the Cowboys have been trying to nab a third wideout capable of providing depth in the position and delivering the goods when given opportunity to play.

SB Nation Cowboys beat writer Dave Halprin reported Byrd worked out with Dallas front office members last Thursday. The former Hurricane standout also had a meeting with the New York Giants last week.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are also interested in getting former Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran guard Davin Joseph, who was released this offseason by the Bucs in order for them to avoid a $6 million hit against the salary cap.


(latinopost.com)

IRVING, Texas -- With the NFL draft at the forefront of their minds, the Dallas Cowboys are not ignoring free agency.

Two-time Pro Bowl guard Davin Joseph visited with the club earlier in the week, and wide receiver LaRon Byrd will work out for the team on Thursday, according to sources.

Byrd, 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, spent last year on injured reserve with the Arizona Cardinals because of a concussion. He was released earlier in the month and worked out recently for the New York Giants.


(espn.com)

The Giants brought in free agent wide receiver LaRon Byrd, who previously spent two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.

Byrd, an undrafted free agent who signed with the Cardinals in 2012, opened eyes in his first camp and preseason, even drawing comparisons to teammate Larry Fitzgerald. However, in his first NFL season, the 6'4'' wideout managed only a single reception for eight yards and often struggled with drops. Then, in his second camp with the team, found himself on the wrong end of a Bruce Arians criticism.

"Not really, to be honest," Arians said last season. "He had a couple nice catches that were unbelievable throws. He's too inconsistent right now. He has talent and a good future, but he's got to get more consistent."

Ultimately, Byrd suffered a concussion and was waived. Upon clearing waivers, he was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR). The Cardinals then released him earlier this month.

In addition to Byrd, the Giants are also reportedly interested in wide receiver Sidney Rice (Seattle Seahawks), although it remains unclear if he'll also be meeting with the team on Tuesday.


(sportsmedia101.com)

The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver LaRon Byrd and linebacker Dan Giordano Friday.

Byrd, a 6-foot-4 220-pounder, spent the entire 2013 season on injured reserve. He played in four games and caught one pass as a rookie in 2012

Like Byrd, Giordano did not play a down last season after spending the whole year on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound linebacker signed with the Cardinals after not being drafted in 2013.


(arizonsports.com)

Last offseason, one of the undrafted rookies that got some attention and caused a bit of a buzz among fans and the media was receiver LaRon Byrd. Head coach Bruce Arians was asked after Wednesday's practice whether Byrd has been making progress recently.

Arians did not mince words.

"No really, to be honest," he told reporters. "He made a couple of nice catches that were unbelievable throws (on Tuesday night). Linebackers had him covered, but he made a great catch on an unbelievable throw last night.

"It appeared to be a good play, but he's too inconsistent now right now in his assignments and in his overall play. He has talent, he has a good future, but he's got to get more consistent."

As of right now, he has found himself down low on the depth chart.

It should not be a surprise. He was a guy that Ken Whisenhunt had brought in, and this is the sort of thing that happens with a new regime -- they get replaced by other guys that he new leadership brings in.

Right now, it is Jaron Brown and Kerry Taylor who are the receivers just behind the three wideouts (Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd) that Arians and Carson Palmer will lean on in the passing game.


(revengeofthebirds.com)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver LaRon Byrd suffered a neck spasm while running a route during practice May 14, the opening day of voluntary organized team activities.

It was reported by Kent Somers of AZCentral.com that Byrd would undergo an MRI following the injury. Byrd has since returned to practice, and in an update, Somers paraphrased head coach Bruce Arians, saying the second-year receiver is "fine and returned to work."

However, Byrd returning to practice may not mean he is out of the woods completely with this neck injury. A neck spasm can have a wide variety of sources, so depending on the source Byrd could have recurring issues.

Say, for instance, the spasm was caused by spinal stenosis (the same condition Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones has). If left undiagnosed, he runs the risk of serious injury and even paralysis if he keeps playing.

This piece from Bleacher Report medical Featured Columnist Dave Seibert, M.D. gives great insight into just what it is that Jones faces with spinal stenosis.
It is currently unknown whether Byrd's MRI took place or whether he simply passed all physical examinations and was cleared to play. If it is the latter and he did not receive the MRI, it may be a good idea to go back and run the test anyway. Perhaps they catch something and are able to nip it in the bud.

The 6'4", 220-pound Byrd has an opportunity to make a name for himself as a Marques Colston-type receiver; he uses his size very well and can get vertical when needed.

Byrd enters the offseason as a No. 4/No. 5 fringe receiver, likely battling rookie Ryan Swope for playing time. He has the potential to be a lethal target in the red zone much like Colston has been for so many years. Forty-three of Colston's 58 touchdowns, a staggering 74.1 percent, have come from within the opponents' 20-yard line.

That kind of potential is just that: untapped potential. It is not that Byrd will become "the next Marques Colston," it is the thought of having to wonder what could have been if this injury pops up again down the road.

Byrd is lucky this injury, which appears to be minor for now, took place while he was running an unguarded route. Had he been running a slant into the teeth of an NFL defense on a Sunday afternoon this fall and had that happen to him, who knows what could have happened. Somers was a witness to the injury and, according to his report from above, Byrd clutched his neck and fell to the ground after turning his head to receive a pass.

That kind of reaction at the wrong time could result in Byrd being blasted by a defender, risking further injury.

For now, Byrd will not miss any time due to this injury. It will be something to watch, however, to see if this occurs down the road at any time. His loss from game action would take away a potential monster in the red zone and leave the receiving corps shorthanded.

You may not believe it now, but Byrd will be an important piece to Arizona's offensive puzzle by season's end. That is, as long as his neck issue is history.


(sports.yahoo.com)

Arizona Cardinals WR LaRon Byrd (neck) suffered neck spasms Tuesday, May 14, and was taken off the field on a cart. The injury is not believed to be serious, but Byrd will undergo an MRI.




(kffl.com)

Cardinals WR LaRon Byrd: “The way my family does it on weekends, we just barbeque or have a cookout. Chill, watch TV on the weekends. I didn’t want a big party. (We had) lasagna, crawfish and bits, gumbo, BBQing, space walks for the kids outside. Just a typical weekend in the Byrd house.”




(azcardinals.com)

Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald, Andre Roberts and Michael Floyd comprise a solid top three. LaRon Byrd and Kerry Taylor are the only other receivers on the roster. First-year coach Bruce Arians has said receiver is one position he doesn't worry about. Floyd's continued development after an encouraging finish to the 2012 season will be important. The former coaching staff envisioned moving Roberts to the slot, with Fitzgerald and Floyd on the perimeter. That could still happen. Arians also plans to move Fitzgerald around the formation the way he moved Reggie Wayne in Indianapolis last season. Drafting a receiver for depth would make sense, but there's no need to chase one early. The Cardinals released veteran Early Doucet, who struggled with drops last season.


(espn.com)

Before the news broke that Bruce Arians would be the Cardinals next head coach, LaRon Byrd’s phone buzzed.

It was Indianapolis Colts receiver Reggie Wayne, a fellow former Miami Hurricane, giving Byrd a hard time for stealing his former offensive coordinator and interim head coach.

“You’re going to love him,” Wayne texted Byrd. “He’s a great coach and he knows what he’s doing.”

With the news official by time players arrived in the locker room for treatment Friday morning, the Cardinals were expressing their excitement about having Arians as their new coach through Twitter, the Internet and in person.

“I think everybody’s excited,” quarterback Ryan Lindley said. “Obviously, the next step is getting back in the facility and getting with him and see what’s going on.”

Although Arians’ background was relatively unknown to most of the team save for him helping Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls, the Cardinals were keenly aware of the quick success he had with a young roster in Indianapolis.

And they’re expecting nothing less this season.

“It’s good because I’m a young guy so hopefully everything plays out,” said Byrd, who will be entering his second season. “It’s a new look. It’s a new year. It’s time to start fresh. We have a new face of the organization now, we just got to work for him.”


(azcardinals.com)