Mike Alstott, TB Injury: Recovering from neck surgery
Insight: It looks like Mike Alstott is going to be fine after all.
The Bucs FB suffered a herniated disc in his neck back in October
which caused sporadic bouts of numbness and weakness in his extremities.
At the time the injury raised questions as to whether he would be
able to return. But after successful surgery and an extensive rehab
it appears that Alstott will be able to resume his professional
career this season. The medical staff actually gave him clearance
to return without restrictions 2 months ago and by all accounts
he looks fine. His neck is strong and he no longer experiences pain
or numbness in his extremities. or surrounding areas. So physically
he's ready to return, but Alstott did voice concerns about paralysis
last year. Now team physicians have told him that the injury will
not increase the risk of paralysis and he recently said that he
feels confident that everything is OK. The only thing left to experience
is that first big hit in training camp. If he's able to shake it
off without a problem he could be in for a nice comeback year.
TJ Duckett , ATL Injury: Plantar Fasciitis
Insight: Duckett has been limited to individual drills at recent
Falcons minicamp because of tissue inflammation on the bottom of
his right foot (Plantar Fasciitis). He's been fitted for a shoe
orthotic which should take some of the pressure off his foot and
he's currently receiving cryotherapy and ultrasonic treatments which
the medical staff hopes will control and reduce the inflammation.
Unfortunately there is no way of knowing when he will make his unrestricted
return, but look for the Falcons to give him as much as much rest
as possible before training camp. If you have plans of drafting
Duckett this year, then this is something you definitely need to
follow.
Warrick Dunn, ATL Injury: Off-season foot surgery
Insight: Dunn missed the final month of the 2003 season after tearing
a ligament in his left foot during the Falcon's Week 12 game against
the Titans. An MRI revealed a torn ligament in the Lisfranc joint
which created tremendous midfoot instability and after consulting
with a foot specialist it was determined that surgery was his only
option. Dunn has undergone nearly 6 months of rehab since the surgical
procedure and he continues to be held out of minicamp workouts because
he still isn't completely pain-free and has some small strength
and motion deficits. But according to several team officials he
is operating at about 90% right now and they expect him to be back
on the field and operating at full speed by the start of training
camp.
Justin Fargas, OAK Injury: Recovering from torn MCL
Insight: Fargas was having a very promising rookie campaign last
year before tearing the medical collateral ligament in his left
knee during a kickoff return back on November 16. An MRI revealed
that the injury was more than just a sprain and he was placed on
Injured Reserve three days later. The good news is that Fargas has
already made a full recovery regaining all of his speed and agility
and with Charlie Garner gone it gives him a chance at the starting
job, however the bad news is that he does have a long history of
injury problems and by missing parts of last season with a knee
injury it certainly raises questions about his durability. Fargas
is in a great position to have a breakout year if he can beat out
Tyrone Wheatley during training camp, but don't overpay for him.
Marshall Faulk, STL Injury: Off-season knee surgery
Insight: After another season of knee inflammation and soreness,
the Rams medical staff felt that Faulk had developed an arthritic
condition which would have probably signified the end of his career.
However during a surgical procedure in February designed to try
and stimulate the regeneration of new cartilage, physicians discovered
that his knee was not arthritic and that Faulk's problems were being
caused by flap of old cartilage which they promptly removed. He
attended minicamps in May but did not participate and remains limited
to individual drills but the team's medical staff expects him to
be at or near full strength for the start of training camp. Faulk's
career is winding down, and his inability to stay healthy over the
last few years is a clear indication of this. With the selection
of rookie RB Stephen Jackson, look for the Rams to give Jackson
a lot of touches in an effort to keep Faulk fresh and rested.
Charlie Garner, TB Injury: Off-season arthroscopic knee surgery
Insight: Prior to signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in
early March, Garner underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee
to repair a torn meniscus. Obviously the prognosis was good or the
Bucs wouldn't have inked him to a contract. It took a little longer
to heal than everyone had initially hoped but he finally took the
field during minicamps 3 weeks ago. Garner says he feels strong
and there isn't any swelling but he still experiences soreness after
he runs and as a precaution the Bucs plan to keep him limited until
training camp. Garner should be back at full strength for the start
of the regular season but keep an eye on his progress this summer
just to be sure.
Eddie George, TEN Injury: Off-season knee and ankle surgery / dislocated shoulder
Insight: George played hurt for much of the 2003-04 season and all
that wear and tear took its toll. Not only did he dislocate his
right shoulder against the Ravens in the playoffs, he also had off-season
arthroscopic surgery on his knee and left ankle. Both surgeries
were considered minor and were done to clean and debride the respective
joints. His shoulder and knee are back to full strength, but he
continues to be limited because of his ankle and won't be running
at full speed until training camp. Obviously George's main concern
is his contract negotiations with the Titans, but he has taken a
beating over his career and his body has just about had it. Whether
he returns to Tennessee or catches on with another team, he won't
have much of an impact in 2004.
Chris Perry, CIN Injury: Strained hamstring
Insight: Bengals rookie RB Chris Perry was carted off the field
2 weeks ago after straining his hamstring during minicamp workouts.
Head coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that the injury was just
a strain and tests done the next day confirmed that it was just
a strain, but the Bengals will limit his participation in minicamps
so that he will have the best chance of being ready for the start
of training camp. I'm very high on Perry but rookies can't afford
to miss any off-season or pre-season practices. Lets just hope this
doesn't become a chronic problem and bother him throughout the summer.
Anthony Thomas, CHI Injury: Strained groin
Insight: Anthony Thomas sat out several practices in early May because
of a strained groin. Sources close to the Bears are reporting that
he's not quite back to 100% and he's still receiving daily treatment
for the injury. The team's medical staff doesn't think that this
will be an issue during training camp but with Thomas Jones headed
for the starting job injuries like this won't help the A-Train regain
his old job.
Brian Westbrook, PHI Injury: Recovering from torn triceps
Insight: After missing every Eagles' practice and workout in May
while recovering from left triceps surgery, Westbrook finally returned
to the field on June 3rd to take part in the team's seven-day voluntary
minicamp. Westbrook had surgery in January to repair a torn left
triceps muscle which occurred in the final regular season game last
year. He's made steady progress and appears to be on his way to
being at full strength for the start of training camp in late July.
With Staley gone, the backfield isn't as crowded as it was last
year which means more opportunities for Westbrook, but still look
for him to share carries with Corell Buckhalter.
Philip Gentles isn't just the founder,
co-owner, webmaster and senior writer at ProFantasySports.com,
he also holds a degree in Sports Medicine, Board Certification in
Athletic Training, and has been working with athletes and sports
injuries for over 8 years. This combination of fantasy experience
and medical know-how is what makes ProFantasySports.com the only
place to get the best in accurate injury information and fantasy
advice.
