UNC in NFL: Ryan Switzer injures hamstring in training camp

Former UNC standout Ryan Switzer hurt his hamstring in practice on Thursday

The North Carolina Tar Heels sent a trio of talented wide receivers to the NFL after the 2016 season.

We’ve already read reports where Mack Hollins is impressing at Philadelphia Eagles camp. But what about his former teammate who is now an NFC East rival?

Well, Ryan Switzer is one of the likely candidates to replace returner Lucky Whitehead after he was cut by the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday. Switzer has all sorts of potential to breakout this year and be a factor in the Cowboys offense.

That potential may have taken a small hit, however.

Switzer came up holding his hamstring after making a reception in Thursday’s training camp practice and sat out for the rest of the day. The hamstring injury is the first of Switzer’s football career but he had some positive things to say about it shortly after.

Following the morning practice, Switzer participated in the Cowboys afternoon walk-through.

Generally a walk-through for an NFL team doesn’t require a lot of work so it’s hard to tell how much Switzer did.

He did say that he’s “day-to-day” right now and it’s something to monitor as the Cowboys continue practice.

Switzer is expected to play a role as the Cowboys slot guy. Something that Cole Beasley knows a thing or two about.

Beasley spoke on the addition of Switzer and loves having him around.

"“I was actually excited, more for the slot position itself than our particular situation,” Beasley said via The Dallas Morning News. “There’s been so many guys like me, guys like Wes Welker who never got drafted. They weren’t drafting short white guys. And part of my goal has been to push the position forward.”"

The Cowboys had Friday off of practice but will return to the field on Saturday for another practice and will continue for four days straight.

They help open up the preseason on Thursday, August 3 when they take on the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Hall of Fame Game.

Next: Top UNC Football players for 2017 season

Hopefully Switzer will be ready for that game so UNC fans can get their first look at him in a Cowboys uniform.