Arkansas Bengal Posted January 26, 2015 Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 Surgeon hopeful Burfict will be back Updated: January 26, 2015, 10:22 AM ET By Coley Harvey | ESPN.com CINCINNATI -- Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is reportedly recovering from microfracture surgery, a serious procedure performed on knees that have suffered cartilage damage. The surgeon who operated on Burfict told NFL Network that he is hopeful the linebacker will be at full strength in time for training camp. [+] Enlarge AP Photo/Al BehrmanBengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict played in five games this past season but finished only two of them because of a rash of injuries. "I don't see any reason, if this thing heals like we want and we think it will, why he won't be back like he was," Dr. Neal ElAttrache told NFL Network. "Microfracture has a bad connotation, but there are plenty of guys who have come back and been able to play like before. But it's not really news when it works out." Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is among players to have most recently undergone the surgery that involves drilling into bone in hopes of developing new cartilage. There had been concern among some around the team late in the season that microfracture surgery could be an option for Burfict's apparently balky left knee. He originally underwent arthroscopic surgery back in October after his leg was struck while he was trying to shed a block against the Baltimore Ravens. He missed three plays after the first-quarter injury but came back and finished the drive, factoring on two key goal-line stops that preceded a failed fourth-down conversion for the Ravens. Burfict finished the game but underwent the arthroscopic surgery days later. The Bengals had hoped he would return within the next three weeks. But he was unable to despite testing his leg off to the side in practices and before games. ElAttrache said a blister formed on the outside of the knee that caused constant swelling that eventually wore the cartilage down. It was after he hobbled through a ladder drill before a late-November game at Tampa Bay that the Bengals shut Burfict down and placed him on season-ending injured reserve. Coach Marvin Lewis told reporters at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, last week that Burfict had another surgery, but he didn't reveal the nature of it. Since Burfict's knee appears in good shape structurally, his healing should be accelerated, ElAttrache told NFL Network. The doctor added that Burfict will be on crutches for six weeks before reconditioning his knee. He'll be able to run after three months. It's possible he could be ready in time for the Bengals' minicamp that would be in May, but the goal for now is to just make sure he's ready for training camp in July. Burfict played in five games this past season but finished only two of them because of a rash of injuries. In addition to the knee problems, he had trouble staying on the field early in the season thanks to issues involving his head and neck. In August, he signed a contract extension that will pay him $20.5 million through 2017. It was a reward for the way the former undrafted free agent led the league in tackles and made it to the Pro Bowl just two seasons into his career. http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted January 26, 2015 Report Share Posted January 26, 2015 Heck, he will not be what he was! We lost the old Geno and the old Vontaze. They will never be what they were. And I worry AJ will not be the old AJ, too. Unfortunately, Andy will be the same Andy he was last year. Look, I am not a negative guy, but the ball has never bounced our way. It is what it is. I just hope we can make the playoffs. But I don't think we will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khatmandude Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 Heck, he will not be what he was! We lost the old Geno and the old Vontaze. They will never be what they were. And I worry AJ will not be the old AJ, too. Unfortunately, Andy will be the same Andy he was last year. Look, I am not a negative guy, but the ball has never bounced our way. It is what it is. I just hope we can make the playoffs. But I don't think we will. I love this post for so many reasons. It's like a gift that keeps on giving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|SF2| Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 Heck, he will not be what he was! We lost the old Geno and the old Vontaze. They will never be what they were. And I worry AJ will not be the old AJ, too. Unfortunately, Andy will be the same Andy he was last year. Look, I am not a negative guy, but the ball has never bounced our way. It is what it is. I just hope we can make the playoffs. But I don't think we will. I think Geno gets close to old Geno this year. Burfict probably doesn't play this year or if he does, its later in the season. There have been success stories with this procedure but all involve a 1 year recovery minimum. I see no reason AJ isn't AJ. So step #1: Find and pay for a stud linebacker in FA. The defense was a totally different animal with Rey M. and Vontaze in there. Gotta have someone close to Taze in ability. At least someone decent short term. David Harris, Worlids, anyone? Step #2: Gotta get a pass rusher in FA. Get Geno some help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheBeaverHunter Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 If he isn't 100% I say cut him and go HARD after this guy!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
|SF2| Posted January 27, 2015 Report Share Posted January 27, 2015 If he isn't 100% I say cut him and go HARD after this guy!!!!! You are aware he has missed 22 games the last 3 season no? If he is healthy sure but no way we cut Burfict until we know his final prognosis. Burfict will either be IRed or IRed designated to return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.