Green Bay Packers cornerback Casey Hayward missed the majority of the 2013 season with a hamstring injury, but he will enter the 2014 season healthy.
The 24 year-old will look to regain his rookie form, which made him a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate in 2012 when he intercepted six passes.
However, his quest to become a starting cornerback will likely have to wait at least another year.
Sam Shields and Tramon Williams are projected to start at cornerback for the Packers.
Shields signed a four-year, $39 million contract to remain with the Packers, while Williams is entering the final year of his contract, and is expected to depart Green Bay following the 2014 season.
Hayward is being seen as the successor, and he is expected to start across Shields in 2015.
Hayward has vowed to remain patient with the process though. “I don’t even look into it. I think I look more of just trying to prepare myself and get better each week,” Hayward said.
The Packers coaching staff is excited to get even more out of Hayward, citing his knack for getting to the ball often. Hayward’s return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the defense, which struggled greatly last season.
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