Welcome to our Fantasy Football Injury Informational Desk, where we will educate you on all of the major injuries that NFL players encounter, with a hardcore focus on knee injuries. Much of the injury research below was done by Kethnaab, known on our Forums for his statistical and research skills.
Knee Injuries |
What is an ACL tear? ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries often occur when an athlete quickly decelerates, followed by a sudden change in direction, also referred to as cutting. In football, athletes can often tear ACLs in other ways, ways which are often more damaging to the overall structure of the knee (which is why some ACL-related injuries are worse than others). For example, if the knee is hit from the side, more than just the ACL is being stressed and often torn. Like a door hinge, the knee joint is designed to bend and function in one direction – Forcefully bending in another direction is damaging to the joint. The major function of the ACL is to stabilize the knee. The femur (thigh bone) sits on top of the tibia (shin bone). The knee connects the two and acts as a joint. Without tight fitting ligaments to stabilize the knee, the joint would not be sound and would be subject to dislocations. The ACL, in particular, keeps the knee joint tight and does not allow the tibia to slide forward. An individual without an ACL is more prone to developing arthritis, cartilage tears and is more subject to dislocating the knee, which will often damage and tear the remaining three ligaments. Professional running backs usually cannot function fully without an ACL, because the position demands tremendous pivoting, deceleration, strenuous cutting and stopping — Again, all of which will ultimately lead to possible knee dislocation if an individual does not have an ACL — Dislocation would likely result in damage to the remaining knee ligaments. |
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It isn’t just the threat of dislocation that is the problem for a running back without an ACL — The knee is rarely ever tight fitting after an ACL tear and often feels “wobbly” and as if your knee will “give out” from under you. The instability has been said to feel like when one stands on top of a chair that feels unstable and could “give out” from under you.
It is possible, but extremely rare, that the thigh and surrounding knee muscles can alone keep the knee tight enough that an ACL isn’t necessary, but again, it’s so rare you will almost never hear about a running back having much success in such a situation. Broncos QB John Elway played through his entire NFL career without an ACL in one of his knees, but it would be almost impossible for a running back, given the demands of the position, to fully function without an ACL. Without an ACL, the knee just isn’t stable enough for the kind of cutting a rusher makes. So, getting back to running backs, the real question is: Can an NFL running back ever fully recover from a torn ACL?
The answer to that is yes, but on rare occasion, and a lot of factors are involved. For a full recovery to occur, the right combination of youth, NFL mileage (on the legs) and opportunity must be in place.
Looking for examples of full recoveries? Brian Westbrook, Priest Holmes, Willis McGahee and Frank Gore all suffered ACL tears before entering the NFL, or before playing an NFL game… clearly all four of those guys bounced-back and had elite fantasy careers, but youth was on their side. There are not a lot of examples out there of elite, yet older, fantasy runners returning to full strength… that was until this year. Ronnie Brown is the oldest player in recent history to tear his ACL and still be an absolute fantasy stud that very next season back from injury (tearing it at 25 and playing well his first year back at 26). Brown suffered his torn ACL in the middle of his 2007 fantasy season, yet he didn’t take the usual one year to get the knee right — He returned to form immediately, which is quite unusual, but being only 25 seems to have had much to do with his quick healing.
Clearly ACL injuries are NO LONGER career threatening, but most every bounce-back story involves a player that suffered the injury in college, or in between college and the pros. Ronnie Brown, who was 25 years-old when he suffered the injury and 26 his first year back (2008), is proof that full recovery is possible for players who are still in their first couple seasons in the pros. But again, don’t be fooled into thinking that an older player cannot return to form just because of their age, as often older players often get as much opportunity when returning from major ACL reconstruction. Take a look at some data on the injury:
Player |
Time of injury |
Weeks of recovery |
Age at time of injury |
Yardage Difference from
yr before / yr after |
Rush Yards year before |
Rush Yards year after |
Rush Yards 2 years after |
YPC year before |
YPC year after |
YPC 2 years after |
TDs year before |
TDs year after |
TDs 2 years after |
FF Pts season before |
FF Pts Year after |
FF Pts 2 years after |
Ronnie Brown |
Game 7, 2007 NFL |
44.5 |
25 |
-92 |
1008 |
916 |
– |
4.2 |
4.3 |
– |
5 |
10 |
– |
158 |
177 |
– |
Deuce McAllister* |
Game 5, 2005 NFL |
45 |
27 |
-21 |
1078 |
1057 |
92 |
4 |
4.3 |
3.8 |
9 |
10 |
0 |
184 |
186 |
11 |
Terrell Davis * |
Game 4, 1999 NFL |
48 |
27 |
-1797 |
2008 |
211 |
282 |
5.1 |
3.1 |
3.6 |
23 |
2 |
2 |
361 |
36 |
41 |
Jamal Anderson |
Game 2, 1999 NFL |
50 |
27 |
-822 |
1846 |
1024 |
190 |
4.5 |
3.6 |
3.5 |
16 |
6 |
2 |
313 |
177 |
42 |
Olandis Gary |
Game 1, 2000 NFL |
51 |
25 |
-931 |
1159 |
228 |
147 |
4.2 |
4 |
4 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
174 |
32 |
36 |
Terry Allen |
NFL Pre-season 1993 |
58 |
25 |
-170 |
1201 |
1031 |
1309 |
4.5 |
4 |
3.9 |
15 |
8 |
11 |
258 |
166 |
220 |
Edgerrin James |
Game 6, 2001 NFL |
46 |
23 |
-720 |
1709 |
989 |
1259 |
4.4 |
3.6 |
4.1 |
18 |
3 |
11 |
338 |
152 |
269 |
Dominic Rhodes |
2002 pre-season |
58 |
23 |
-947 |
1104 |
157 |
254 |
4.7 |
4.2 |
4.8 |
9 |
1 |
1 |
187 |
28 |
34 |
Jamal Lewis* |
During NFL 2001 Training Camp |
72 |
22 |
-37 |
1364 |
1327 |
2066 |
4.4 |
4.3 |
5.3 |
6 |
7 |
14 |
202 |
219 |
311 |
Frank Gore* |
Before NFL |
52 |
19 |
- |
562 |
468 |
945 |
9.1 |
5.3 |
4.8 |
5 |
4 |
8 |
88 |
81 |
153 |
Willis McGahee * |
Before NFL |
88 |
21 |
- |
1753 |
0 |
1128 |
6.2 |
0 |
4 |
28 |
0 |
13 |
379 |
0 |
208 |
Priest Holmes |
Before NFL |
66 |
22 |
- |
524 |
324 |
1008 |
4.4 |
5.5 |
4.3 |
5 |
13 |
7 |
82 |
110 |
169 |
Brian Westbrook* |
Before NFL |
91 |
19 |
- |
1046 |
1220 |
1603 |
5.2 |
6.8 |
6.9 |
25 |
20 |
28 |
369 |
314 |
394 |
* = Indicates multiple tears
What is an MCL tear?
The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is the ligament that runs along the inner (medial) portion of the knee, connecting the femur to the lower leg at the tibia (shinbone). It is arranged in the form of 2 flattened bands of connective tissue, one on top of the other (deep and superficial). It also contributes to the formation of the knee joint capsule.
It is frequently injured in skiing as it is the ligament that helps maintain lateral stability in the knee joint. In football, a hard blow to the outside of the knee directed inward while the foot is planted can cause injury to the MCL. Typically, the MCL is injured together with the ACL as it is rare for a collateral ligament to tear by itself. Surgery of the MCL itself is usually not necessary, and when it is necessary is generally lacking in complication.
Recently, LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas, and Ladainian Tomlinson suffered MCL injuries. Willis McGahee also tore his MCL in college during the Fiesta Bowl (along with his PCL and ACL). The injury that cut Priest Holmes’ incredible 2004 season short, allowing Larry Johnson to step in, was an MCL injury.
What is an LCL tear?
The LCL (lateral collateral ligament) is the cord-like ligament that runs along the outside (lateral) portion of the knee, connecting the femur to the fibula, the skinny bone of the lower leg. Unlike the MCL, the LCL does not contribute to the formation of the joint capsule around the knee.
Although it is less frequently injured than the MCL or the ACL, the LCL is damaged most frequently in football when the knee buckles outward, either due to a faulty landing or from outward-directed contact just as the foot plants. Severe knee hyperextension can also result in an LCL injury. Similar to the MCL, an isolated LCL injury usually does not require surgery. Generally, the standard rest, ice, compression, elevation treatment is advised and a knee brace issued for one to several weeks. If the LCL is somehow severely torn in isolation from the other knee ligament structures, then surgery followed by a hard cast and several months of rehabilitation is frequently advised.
Adrian Peterson missed time in 2007 due to a mild injury to his LCL.
What is an PCL tear?
The PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) is a very strong ligament deep within the rear portion of the knee joint. It maintains knee joint stability by preventing excess movement of the tibia backward relative to the femur as well as assisting the MCL and LCL in lateral knee joint stability. It attaches from the back of the femur to the back of the tibia just under the ACL. It is comprised of 2 bands of connective tissue wrapped together. The bands alternately tighten and loosen when the knee is extended and bent.
Serious PCL injuries are very rare because of the amount of force necessary to damage the PCL. Generally, significant trauma above and beyond what would occur during a football game is necessary to tear the PCL. In order to damage this ligament during a football game, the knee would need to be bent and the foot planted as a forceful blow to the front of the knee and/or shin is delivered. Due to its scarcity of occurrence, studies involving PCL damage are few and far between relative to the number involving the ACL and/or MCL. PCL surgery is relatively rare even when the ligament is ruptured. It’s location and complexity makes surgery a risky procedure from which many surgeons abstain.
Willis McGahee’s knee injury during the Fiesta Bowl involved the PCL. Reggie Bush’s lost time during 2007 also included damage to the PCL.
What is a Meniscus tear?
The meniscus refers to one of the two cartilaginous structures that help provide stability and integrity to the knee joint as it twists. When severely damaged, the meniscus can be either repaired or replaced completely (meniscus transplant). Unlike many tendons, a torn meniscus tends to get worse with time rather than better.
As a result, surgery is more likely to be prescribed. Generally, when referring to a “torn meniscus”, one is referring to a torn medial meniscus as it is far more likely to be damaged than the lateral aspect. Someone whose knee tends to lock in place probably has a meniscus tear that extends along the circumference of the meniscus. Meniscus problems are more likely in older players as the meniscus loses its elasticity with age and is more susceptible to tearing as well as degenerative conditions. Meniscus problems earlier in life are closely associated with the development of knee osteoarthritis.
Duce Staley, Marcus Pollard and Jerramy Stevens have had injuries to their meniscus. Most recently, LenDale White was found to have played the 2007 season with a torn meniscus. Swelling in Donovan McNabb’s meniscus also delayed ACL surgery following his 2006 ACL injury.
What is Microfracture surgery?
Microfracture surgery is essentially a surgical technique for cartilage repair. The procedure works by creating tiny fractures in the underlying bone in the knee, which then causes new cartilage to develop.
Microfracture surgery was developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Dr. Richard Steadman. Through steady research and testing (with horses), Steadman’s once “controversial” procedure has made its way into the microcosm of professional sports. In general, the procedure has had a high success rate, but because of the natural decline in an athlete’s performance, it’s tough to evaluate the rate of success with some older athletes that have had the procedure. While it’s concerning as to why younger athletes need Microfracture surgery to begin with, the younger an athlete is when he/she has the surgery the better.
In October of 2005, Suns star Amare Stoudamire became one of the highest profile players in professional sports to have Microfracture surgery. Stoudamire returned to the court in March of 2006 (6 months later), but due to stiffness in both knees, Stoudamire and his doctors decided to delay the stud’s return until the start of the 2006-2007 season (roughly 7 months after that). Stoudamire did in fact return to his old form during that 2006-2009 season (roughly one full calendar year after having his Microfracture surgery. Stoudamire is truly a success story.
Jason Kidd, Greg Oden, Zach Randolph, Steve Yzerman, John Stockton, Kenyon Martin, and Antonio McDyess have all had Microfracture surgery and just about all of those athletes have been able to return, or at least near, their pre-surgery form.
Professional athletes that have not had the same success include: Brian Grant, Chris Webber, Allan Houston and Penny Hardaway. And Tracy McGrady has recently had the procedure, but his return won’t be until the 2009-2010 season, so time will tell in his case.
Microfracture procedures are not that common in the NFL just yet (at least when it comes to impact fantasy players), but Saints WR Marques Colston reportedly had Microfracture surgery in January of 2009, so time will if Colston regain his elite form. The same goes for Saints RB Reggie Bush, who also had the surgery back in December of 2008. It’s worth noting that Colston’s procedure was thought to be somewhat minor — The receiver reportedly had a small hole in his kneecap, so our guess is that Colston will recover much faster than most.
Details of Microfracture surgery: Via arthroscopy, the surgeon creates tiny fractures in the bones (using an awl). Bone marrow and blood, which contain stem cells, seep out of the tiny fractures and this creates a blood clot. The blood clot then releases cartilage-building cells. The human body treats the microfractures (created by the surgeon) as bodily injuries, which is why the knee produces new/replacement cartilage.
Microfracture surgery is actually considered relatively minor as far as procedures go… it’s the restrictions that are placed on the patient during the recovery time frame. For optimal re-growth, patients usually need to be on crutches for four to six weeks and sometimes longer. Patients often feel that their knee(s) is doing fine and that they can skip extremely important recovery steps, and often times patients start running and jumping and even start playing sports before the knee(s) is ready.
Older patients, overweight patients and patients with significant knee degeneration issues have far less success with Microfracture surgery.
Will professional football players have as much success with Microfracture surgery as NBA players have had? Will football players need more recovery time due to the grueling nature of football? Time will tell — Marques Colston and Reggie Bush are two of the NFL’s highest profile subjects to have the procedure and their first seasons back from the surgery will be this 2009. We will report back after 2009 plays out. Stoudamire wasn’t ready after 6 months of recovery and Colston will be roughly 6-7 months removed from Microfracture surgery come August — But, again remember that Colston’s procedure might have been less intense and we might have to look at his case a bit differently when reflecting back. In case you were wondering, Bush will be roughly 7-8 months removed from surgery come August.
What is a Hyper-Extended knee?
A hyperextended knee occurs when the knee joint is forced to extend forcefully beyond its normal range of motion. Normally, this is simply painful and can cause swelling for one to several days or weeks. The real problem occurs when ligament damage occurs which may require surgery. A severe hyperextension frequently results in damage to the ACL. Hyperextension itself rarely causes more than a few missed games.
What is a Tibial Plateau Fracture?
Tibial Plateau Fracture – A plateau fracture occurs at the thickened portion of bone (the tibial "plateau") at the top of the shin below the kneecap. The knee joint cartilage is involved and can frequently require months for recovery when severe. Severe hyperextension can sometimes lead to mild plateau fractures. Non-displaced plateau fractures involve hairline cracks that usually don’t require surgery but are very susceptible to reinjury in the following months. Displaced plateau fractures require surgery to reposition the knee joint and recovery can take several months because the knee must not bear weight until the fracture heals.
Chicago DB Charles Tillman had a mild plateau fracture involving a hairline crack in his right knee in 2004, and Vikings TE/FB Jim Kleinsasser missed 4 games in 2002 with a similar injury. Tillman came back the next season and posted a 95-yard pick-6 to go along with a career-high in tackles (85).
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Foot Injuries |
What is a foot sprain?
A foot sprain is a stretching or tearing of the many ligaments found in the foot. Ligaments are leathery, tough cords of fibrous connective tissue that hold bones together and stabilize joints. Foot sprains are far less common than ankle sprains and lisfranc injuries. Aaron Schobel had issues this year due to sprained foot ligaments. Like many “minor” injuries, sprained ligaments in the foot tend to lead to other lower body injuries due to overcompensation and the pressure of a player to come back too early.
What is a lisfranc injury?
The lisfranc joint is the joint at which the top of the arch of the midfoot connects to the long bones of the toes. The hardened, bony portion of the upper mid-foot where punters try to contact the ball is the lisfranc joint. Frequently, a lisfranc injury occurs as a result of someone stepping on a player’s foot hard. It can also happen when someone steps into an uneven portion of the field which causes twisting of the foot. This results in the ligaments overstretching and the joint becoming unstable. The bones can also fracture or dislocate.
Lisfranc injuries can become severely problematic, especially if the injury is both severe and untreated. Tissue damage, including damage to the nerves, muscles and vascularity of the foot can occur over time as a result of severe untreated lisfranc injuries.
Dwight Freeney, Brian Westbrook, Kevin Jones, Ty Law and most recently, Larry Johnson missed playing time due to lisfranc injuries.
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Hip Injuries |
What is a hip pointer?
A hip pointer is an injury to the actual bone of the hip, called the “crest” of the hip. Hip pads are designed to prevent this specific type of injury. Typically a hip pointer occurs when a helmet or facemask makes forceful contact directly on the bony portion of the hip. A hip pointer can bleed into both the abdominal and leg regions resulting in severe pain during abdominal flexion and leg movement. Standard treatment involves rest and ice. Players rarely miss significant time from a hip pointer unless an associated fracture has occurred as well.
What is a hip flexor?
A hip flexor is actually one of three muscle groups (psoas major, rectus femoris, illiacus) that help bring the knee up toward the chest, such as in a leg raise movement. This group of muscles is what gets sore after doing a hard situp workout. The phrase “hip flexor” is frequently misused to describe a strain to one of the hip flexor muscles. This is one of those “training camp” type injuries that occur most frequently when an athlete is not in ideal condition and attempts to sprint or forcefully kick or hurdle before being warmed up. Hip flexor strains also occur as a result of weakened abdominal muscles and the associated overcompensation by the hip flexors during torso stabilization.
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Groin Injuries |
What is a Groin Strain/Tear?
Groin strain/tear – Groin pulls occur when one or more of the six muscles on the inner thigh responsible for adduction (squeezing the knees together) get injured. Groin injuries are (From mild to severe) classified as strain/pull/tear and are given grades according to severity:
Grade I – annoying and distracting more than debilitating, usually causes degradation of performance but can be played through (slight strain)
Grade II – usually requires at least a week or more of rest and treatment, can easily be reinjured if player rushes back to action too fast
Grade III – can involve tearing of groin muscle tissue which would require several weeks to several months to heal properly
Groin strains are notorious for being recurring/chronic because the nature of the injury provides for several causative factors but they rarely, except in the most severe cases, require surgery. Steven Jackson and now Ladainian Tomlinson have had issues with groin strains. One can bet that LT2 will be having surgery in the offseason (early 2009) if he actually tore a tendon, but by the regular season, he would be fine assuming no bizarre complications. Steven Jackson recovered without surgery during the season but had some hamstring and quad issues as well which may have been a result of overcompensating for the groin pull.
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Shoulder-Related Injuries |
What is a rotator cuff tear?
The rotator cuff is a team of 4 muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, teres minor) that connect the humerus (biceps bone) to the shoulder joint and keep the bone stabilized within the shoulder joint. When a tear occurs, typically in the supraspinatus or infraspinatus, the shoulder joint loses its stability and strength. The injuries typically occur due to throwing motion repetition and/or other repetitive overhead movements (swimmers, volleyball players and pitchers are particularly susceptible to this injury).
Takeo Spikes, Chad Pennington, Jim McMahon and of course, Don Majkowski suffered rotator cuff injuries.
What is Tommy John surgery?
Tommy John surgery is basically surgery to replace a ligament within the elbow, the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Overhead throwing motions rely heavily upon the flexibility and durability of the tendons around the elbow joint.
When the UCL becomes worn or actually tears, the thrower ends up with a “dead arm”. In order to fix this problem, the UCL is replaced using tendons collected from other parts of the body, typically either a forearm tendon or a tendon from the leg, specifically tendons which are non-crucial to athletic function. After a period of time involving very specific rehabilitation, the transplanted tendon “learns” how to act and behave as a ligament. Over time, the procedure has become extremely efficient and non-invasive, which leaves less scar tissue and less problems with the nerves and muscles of the surrounding era.
Approximately 10% of the pitchers in the major leagues, including Eric Gagne, Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera, have had Tommy John surgery. It is thought that Sandy Koufax could have benefitted greatly from Tommy John surgery once his arm went dead. Success rates of 85% and higher are reported now within the major leagues. Jake Delhomme will provide the first true example of a high-level QB who is attempting to return from Tommy John surgery although Rob Johnson of the Buffalo Bills had Tommy John surgery.
What is a Broken Collarbone?
A broken collarbone is simply a fracture, either compound (bone through the skin) or simple (no bone visible through the skin), of the clavicle. Pain usually goes away after a few weeks, but the area takes up to 3-4 months to heal fully. Considering how susceptible the area is to injury, players tend to rush back rather quickly from these injuries. Bones heal quickly and fully in most cases, and a clavicle injury is not an exception to this general rule. However, it can cause problems with performance, especially for QBs. Charlie Batch broke his collarbone causing the Steelers to recruit Byron Leftwich. Kurt Warner got his mojo back in 2007 due to Matt Leinart breaking his collarbone, and Adrian Peterson broke his collarbone in college as a result of a freak accident but has come back strong, none the worse for wear. Remember good old Charles Rogers? Rogers was set to be one of the league’s most exciting up and coming receivers until he broke his collarbone as a rookie (2003) and then once again as a sophomore receiver (2004). He never recovered as an athlete. Clearly this injury affects players differently, and like any injury, opportunity needs to be there once the injured player gets healthy.
What is a Shoulder Separation?
A Shoulder Separation occurs when the joint that connects the collarbone (Clavicle) to the shoulderblade (Scapula) is injured. Technically known as an "acromioclavicular separation", it is known as AC separation for short and is graded from Grade I (mild) to Grade VI (most severe). Type I is the only type that doesn’t require immediate correction, either surgery or rest and players will rarely miss more than a game, if that. Type II will require a player to miss substantial (Several weeks) of time, and Type III almost always requires surgery, especially for a QB. Types IV through VI will require surgery. Ben Roethlisberger missed time briefly during the 2008 season due to an AC separation. He didn’t miss any games, but he threw like garbage for over a month. If a QB separates his shoulder, be wary of how he plays. Eli Manning suffered a slight (Type I) shoulder separation in NYG’s first game against Dallas at the beginning of 2007 and Alex Smith missed a significant period of time in 2007 due to a Type III separation that he rushed back from.
What is a Shoulder Dislocation?
A Shoulder Dislocation occurs when the upper arm bone (humerus) "pops" out of the socket entirely. A player who completely dislocates his shoulder will miss playing time. Most often, however, a shoulder subluxation occurs, where the humerus isn’t completely displaced. It causes pain and tenderness in the area, but is "playable", with a bit of pain killers and a lot of treatment. A subluxation pops back into place on its own, whereas a dislocation can require invasive techniques to replace the humerus. The problem is that a player who rushes back can exhibit weakness in that shoulder as well as a tentative attitude toward hits. Depending upon the amount of ligament damage sustained in the affected shoulder, the problem can become chronic. Clinton Portis, Derrick Mason, Kellen Winslow, and Ryan Clark are some reasonably big names that have missed anywhere from a few minutes to a few games (preseason or otherwise) due to a shoulder dislocation. Make sure, before you make any decisions on a player’s availability, to confirm whether or not the player dislocated or subluxed his shoulder. Most don’t know the difference, so be diligent in your research before tossing someone onto the waiver wire post-injury.
What is a Labrum Tear?
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that pads the humerus in the shoulder socket (Glenoid process). Tears to this joint are somewhat common and are categorized most frequently into 1 of 2 injuries:
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Head Injuries |
What is a Concussion?
A concussion is, quite simply, a brain injury. When a player’s head hits the turf, another player’s knee, another player’s helmet, or any hard surface, the brain itself "bounces" around in the skull and can slam into the skull itself, causing issues with decision-making, vision, and coordination. Concussions are incredibly frequent in the NFL, the most recent victim being Ben Roethlisberger (2008-2009 season). Players like Steve Young had their careers cut short due to frequent concussions, as players become more vulnerable to them with each injury they suffer. Like many injuries, they receive grades based on severity:
Even mild concussions can cause cumulative damage over time and any player who has had 1 concussion in his career is more susceptible to further concussions.
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Back & Neck Injuries |
What is a Pinched Nerve?
Pinched nerves typically occur when a herniated disc in the cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back – between shoulder blades), or lumbar (lower back) regions or from bone spurs in the same areas presses into a nerve. The pinched nerve results in weakness, numbness and tingling of that side of the body, especially in the arms and hands or down the leg (referred pain – pain in one area of the body arising from injury elsewhere). Usually pinched nerves can be remediated using nonsurgical means and recovery time depends entirely upon the exact cause and severity.
What is a Back Strain/Back Spasm?
"Back spasms" is a very generic term used to describe back pain that comes in all shapes and sizes. It can be caused by a pinched nerve, a herniated disc, or muscular cramping. Recovery time depends entirely upon the exact cause and severity.
Discectomies?
Discectomies (replacement of the disc and/or vertebrae) maybe prescribed in severe disc ruptures and/or vertebral injuries. These typically take at least 6 months for full recovery, although treatment is usually successful. Sam Baker (Atlanta rookie LT) had a lower back discectomy on October 28, but was back in action in December. He recently got abused in the NFL playoffs by Arizona’s Bertrand Berry. Perhaps Baker came back a bit too soon.
What is Sciatica?
Pain, weakness, and tingling that radiates from the hip down through one or both legs is called sciata. It arises from pressure on the sciatic nerve, a major nerve in the lower body.
What is a Neck Stinger?
Neck Stingers are very common nerve injuries that occur due to compression or excess stretching of the tissue that surrounds the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that travel across the shoulder joint. Burning, tingling, and weakness throughout the affected side are the common symptons and players with only a stinger will be able to return within the same game. If a player is out of action for an entire game or more due to a neck stinger, be wary as the injury is probably more than what the team is letting on.
What is Spinal Stenosis?
Spinal Stenosis – This is a condition in which the spinal canal narrows and compresses the spinal cord and nerves. This condition is usually the result of the natural process of spinal degeneration, which occurs with aging. However, when this condition is present in a young athlete, such as an NFL football player, it can shorten and end a player’s career (Lee Suggs).
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Elbow Injuries |
Info coming soon…
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Wrist Injuries |
Info coming soon…
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Quad Injuries |
Info coming soon…
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Hamstring Injuries |
Info coming soon…
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Ankle Injuries |
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is a stretching or tearing of the many ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint. They typically occur when a player lands awkwardly from a jump or when someone lands on his foot and his ankle bends awkwardly. Sometimes a sprain occurs in particularly rough turf because a RB goes to cut and his foot stays planted in the turf while the rest of his body moves. The severity is usually measured as "grades" I, II and III.
If a player tries to play before healing properly, he can easily reinjure the area which can lead to chronic instability of the area, especially for RBs, WRs and DBs whose movements require lateral quickness and the ability to cut quickly and accelerate.
What is a High Ankle Sprain?
A high ankle sprain involves a straining or tearing of the ligament (syndesmotic ligament) that holds the two bones (Tibia/shin bone and fibula) of the lower leg together near the ankle. It is particularly problematic because severe pain accompanies external (outward) rotation of the ankle as well as weakness and pain when the calf muscle is flexed. Recovery is more difficult because common ankle sprains heal more easily and an unstable high ankle sprain can require a screw be drilled into the lower leg to hold the low leg bones together while the ligament (slowly) heals. This can take at least 3 months or longer in reasonably severe cases and weight bearing during recovery can break the screw, setting back treatment several months.
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Toe Injuries |
What is turf toe?
Turf toe is a surprisingly nasty injury that occurs to the joint between the big toe and the rest of the foot. It is frequently the result of the toe hyperextending (i.e. the toe bends toward the shinbone) or being jammed into a hard surface. The two primary reasons this seemingly innocuous injury is so problematic is because 1) limiting the range of motion of the toe by taping the toe or wearing special shoes is only marginally effective 2) each time it occurs, the foot becomes more susceptible to the same injury in the future. As a result, the injury can be problematic for years following the initial occurrence.
Jack Lambert and Deion Sanders are the 2 most well-known turf toe casualties.
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Hand Injuries |
Info coming soon…
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Other Injuries |
What is a Sports Hernia?
Sports hernias frequently are diagnosed as severe groin strains because their symptoms are similar, but a sports hernia results from tears or severe weakening of the lower abdomen. Unlike the more common inguinal hernia, no "hernia pouch" can be felt. Initial treatment is similar to a groin pull, but after several weeks of unsuccessful "conservative" treatment, surgery and >8 weeks recovery is typically prescribed with a high degree (up to 90%) of success. Donovan McNabb and Jeremy Shockey are the 2 best-known sports hernia examples. McNabb came back completely from his, and Shockey has spent his career moving from one injury to another, so who knows with him.
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