Louis Rees-Zammit suffers fresh setback with NFL | NFL News

Louis Rees-Zammit has encountered a setback forward of the new NFL season. The Welshman is at present with the Jacksonville Jaguars, aiming to secure a spot on either the 53-man roster or 17-man apply squad for the 2025/2026 marketing campaign.

However, much less than two weeks before the first pre-season recreation against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 9, Rees-Zammit has suffered a decrease back damage. The former Wales rugby worldwide’s American soccer profession hangs in the steadiness this summer time, with Rees-Zammit himself acknowledging that time is working out to show his price at the highest degree, having beforehand been ‘ruthlessly’ launched by the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Penarth-born huge receiver only commenced official pre-season coaching final week, after spending the low season in the UK with household and pals. His future in the game is now unsure, as a back downside might doubtlessly sideline him from essential pre-season video games.

Reporter Mia O’Brien shared on X that the previous Gloucester Rugby star “missed the last several practices and will remain out” alongside team-mate Johnny Mundt. KCKingdom, a Chiefs information outlet, reported on the scenario, speculating: “If he can’t return soon enough to show the Jags coaching staff what he can do, he’ll be released ahead of the season.”

Rees-Zammit had beforehand performed for the Chiefs before heading to the Jaguars. He was included in the Jags’ 17-man apply squad final season, though he never made it onto the principle roster for precise matches.

While apply squad members could be promoted up to thrice during a marketing campaign, the previous rugby sensation wasn’t given the nod. Rather than serving as a likelihood to set up himself in the beginning line-up, his debut American soccer season proved more of an academic expertise.

Having accomplished his first yr in the game, Rees-Zammit can be keen to secure a spot on the 53-player roster or, at a minimal, earn promotion from the apply squad as the designated International Player Pathway (IPP) consultant. Should he fail to get significant minutes during pre-season, head coach Liam Cohen is unlikely to favour him over more seasoned squad members.

During a June interview with talkSPORT, Rees-Zammit acknowledged that IPP athletes usually have roughly two years to grasp the sport before their window closes. For him, failure would most likely imply a return to rugby, mirroring former England worldwide Christian Wade’s journey after spending time with the Buffalo Bills before heading back to rugby union.

“International players get probably two to three years to make it in the NFL,” he defined. “So I wanted to do it at a time where I maybe could come back to rugby. I’m 24 now, probably got one to two more years to try and make it depending on how this year goes. I’ll be 25, 26 when I go back to rugby. I like to think I can still play at the highest level.”

Even if Rees-Zammit fails to function in the opening pre-season fixture, he could have two extra probabilities to display his talents and price to Cohen before the common marketing campaign kicks off in September. The Jags are set to face the New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins during August, with the 53-man squad and 17-man apply group being confirmed at the month’s finish.