Miami OL Zion Nelson to miss part of fall camp due to offseason surgery

Miami offensive tackle Zion Nelson will miss the start of fall camp after undergoing minor knee surgery this offseason.

Nelson delivered the news to reporters at Miami’s media day on Tuesday afternoon. Nelson said he expects to be back for most, if not all, of the regular season.

#Canes LT Zion Nelson is three weeks removed from a minor cleanup on his left knee. He said he was told recovery would take 6-8 weeks. John Campbell prepared to start camp as LT. Zion said he wanted to clean up the injury before the season.

— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) August 2, 2022

An 8-week recovery period would put his return around the beginning of September. Miami opens the season against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3.

The Canes likely wouldn’t have any issue getting past Bethune-Cookman in Week 1, but their schedule does toughen up later in September. Miami is traveling to College Station to face Texas A&M on Sept. 17. If there are no setbacks, Nelson should be able to take part in the game vs. the Aggies.

It would be a significant loss for the Canes if Nelson misses key games. He was named to the ACC’s preseason All-ACC team and is a potential first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

John Campbell is Miami’s backup option at left tackle. He missed last season due to having surgery on his left leg but has 6 career starts with the Canes.

Miami is hoping to have an improved offensive line this season. Nelson is a big part of that — as is the arrival of Mario Cristobal and offensive line coach Alex Mirabal.

Kickoff vs. Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 3 is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET.