NFL
For Austria’s exports Bernhard Raimann (Indianapolis Colts), Bernhard Seikovits (Arizona Cardinals) and Sandro Platzgummer (New York Giants), things are getting serious with the start of the preparatory games in the National Football League (NFL). Running back Platzgummer, who is making a guest appearance with the Giants at the New England Patriots on Friday night, will start things off. Seikovits and his Cardinals take on the Cincinnati Bengals 24 hours later. A position determination awaits Raimann on Saturday.
The training camps of the NFL clubs have been running for more than two weeks, where the coveted 53 squad places are at stake. Tight end Seikovits has been satisfied so far: “The camp is going well, very well. Compared to last year, I feel better and stronger. This is also reflected in the feedback from coaches, but also from fellow players.”
The preseason games are important for players like Seikovits and Platzgummer who are fighting for a place on the roster because this is where they can excel. “Of course the coaches want to see that: Show in the game what you also show in training,” explained 25-year-old Seikovits, who, like Platzgummer, was able to gain initial experience in the preparatory games last year. So far, however, it has not been enough for use in the regular season.
Position determination for Raimann
Offensive liner Raimann is on Saturday (local time) in the away game against the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old, who was the first Austrian to be selected in the third round of the NFL draft at the end of April, has his place in the team more or less secure.
“The trainers have high expectations, also of us rookies. It’s not always easy to live up to that. But that’s the only way,” says Raimann. The Colts currently list him as a second left tackle, behind Matt Pryor. His head coach Frank Reich will let the one set around quarterback Matt Ryan play for a quarter in the first test. Then it will be clear where Raimann is in the hierarchy.