Sam Leaves Practice Early

Sam has been dealing with a groin issue the past few days, but trained fully on Friday before walking off the field w/ a trainer. #RBNY

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 13, 2013

Bad news, #RBNY fans: Lloyd Sam left practice earlier than most today and Petke said he would have to check to see his status for tomorrow.

— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) September 13, 2013

At least part of the reason Lloyd Sam failed to catch on with the Red Bulls earlier this year were injuries. There's no other way to put it: Sam is injury prone.

The best example to highlight Sam's tenure with the Red Bulls was his MLS Player of the Week worthy performance against Sporting Kansas City. Sam came in as a sub, notched and assist and scored a goal before coming off injured to help his team earn an important road win. All of that happened in less than a half hour, when, in the 87th minute, he left with an injury.

Since that game, and shaking off the knock, Sam has made a convincing case that he is the man for the right midfield position. With all due respect to Eric Alexander (who was playing a bit out of position) Sam brought offensive flair and a good cross to a position lacking it. He scored, he assisted, he danced like an idiot and, most importantly, he looked like the Red Bulls' most dynamic player offensively.

Of course, whether or not this means Sam is out tomorrow against Toronto FC remains to be seen. Franco Panizo's tweets do make it seem like Head Coach Mike Petke will give him a look tomorrow to see how things are.

But if he is out, it's just another low in a roller coaster season for the man.