NFL Commish Roger Goodell's recent back surgery could prevent traditional hugs at NFL Draft: report

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to walk to the podium Thursday night to open the 2024 NFL Draft. 

NFL prospects will hear Goodell announce their names. The draftees will then put on their new team's hat and walk across the stage for a photo opp with Goodell. But they might not get the commissioner's signature hug. 

Goodell underwent surgery on his back about three weeks ago, ESPN reported.

While Goodell has "recovered well," he still might shy away from the signature hug out of an abundance of caution.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

C.J. Stroud, left, hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected second overall by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station April 27, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.  (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

It remains unclear if top prosects were given any kind of advanced warning about how to approach Goodell Thursday night.

2024 NFL DRAFT GUIDE: QUARTERBACKS HEADLINE DRAFT CLASS; WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ORDER

"NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell underwent back surgery three weeks ago, has recovered well, but it remains uncertain whether he will be able to offer his patented draft-day hugs. Draft-time decision," NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote on X.

VIEW POST ON X

Detroit is hosting this year's draft. Goodell previously praised Detroit for the strides the city's downtown area has made over the years. 

"You do it your way. You show off this community the way it deserves. What you’ve done in this community is amazing. I’ve been coming here for decades," Goodell said in January. "You see what you’ve done physically in the downtown area, but it’s