Is a torn rotator cuff really season-ending? - New England Patriots Forums

captain stone · 09-01-2010, 07:52 AM

After reading every post in both the Bodden to IR and the Secondary threads,
I'm a little surprised that the above question hasn't been asked.

Is it because the injury is so debilitating that even a CB, who tackles less than any member of the defense,
cannot play with it and not experience ineffectiveness to the point of uselessness?

Has any CB started the season with a torn rotator cuff and finished the entire season?

How long is the recovery time? If it's no longer than 6-9 weeks,
then why not save a roster spot for Bodden and have him avail. for the post-Thanksgiving stretch run?

Why not wait another few days, maybe get a second opinion, before deciding to IR him?
Bill's obviously giving OxyKaczur every chance to play this year, so why not Bodden?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Pats726 · 09-01-2010, 08:03 AM

I tend to think there are many variables here..NO there will be others that will have the info..But it's going to be a longer time for one playing football to get back to playing..one thing to work in a desk job post recovery ANOTHER to depend on arms shoulder to play football. My guess is they know it will take 2 plus months and then some...I am sure they weighed all options and if there was ANY hope of a return would not have IRed him. Kaczur ALREADY had his surgery and I think they will know at some point if there's a shot of him returning or not. Different injury different variables..different player and position..apples oranges..

***apple strudel*** · 09-01-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

If it is necessary to repair the rotator cuff muscle, it may take six weeks to two months for the tendon and muscles to completely heal. People who engage in activities that require overhead movement may need three to four months to heal, depending on the extent of the rotator cuff tear. If the muscle is only partially torn and is repaired at the time of surgery, recovery is much faster.

I'm pretty sure Mr. Bodden engages in activities that require overhead movement. So 3 to 4 months, depending.

Rotator Cuff Injuries - SportsMedicineDr.com - Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

***patchick*** · 09-01-2010, 08:13 AM

I think everyone is simply assuming, quite reasonably, that a team doesn't shut down its #1 corner for the season without good reason. The IR designation indicates it's the kind of tear that requires surgery, in which case the projection is measured in months, not weeks.

That said, I'm no fan of the current IR system. Come on NFL, help teams put a better product on the field come playoff time! Offer an 8-game IR provision. To prevent abuse, just don't start eligibility until after game 1, and require that the player be placed on the 53 for the game immediately following the IR period.

Mack Herron · 09-01-2010, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

I think everyone is simply assuming, quite reasonably, that a team doesn't shut down its #1 corner for the season without good reason. The IR designation indicates it's the kind of tear that requires surgery, in which case the projection is measured in months, not weeks.

That said, I'm no fan of the current IR system. Come on NFL, help teams put a better product on the field come playoff time! Offer an 8-game IR provision. To prevent abuse, just don't start eligibility until after game 1, and require that the player be placed on the 53 for the game immediately following the IR period.

Great suggestion. Back in the day, was it not possible for a player to return from IR?

Pats726 · 09-01-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

That said, I'm no fan of the current IR system. Come on NFL, help teams put a better product on the field come playoff time! Offer an 8-game IR provision. To prevent abuse, just don't start eligibility until after game 1, and require that the player be placed on the 53 for the game immediately following the IR period.

I believe there was a time many years ago that IR was not season ending..or later even when there was a LIMIT on IRed players or when one could TRY and bring a player back but they had to go through waivers..lol..(I can NOT remember who they tried to bring back that way..early 80s..but it was a GOOD player and he was picked up..gone.) I do agree that IR rules need to be looked at ESPECIALLY if this 18 game baloney is going to be shoved down the fans throats. NOT sure of the particulars of how to do it so teams do NOT STASH players there, but I am sure it can be done so that legitimately injured players can return LATER in the year. (AND this is besides keeping players on the 53..which is what BB has done before at times...Johnson, Washington, Light, Branch etc...)

***MoLewisrocks*** · 09-01-2010, 08:28 AM

Google is your friend. Inquiring minds should try it. We don't know if his injury was a full thickness traumatic tear or the result of prior injury and use degrading the tendon over time. Either way for an athlete hoping to return to full function with no further damage to a repairable tendon your looking at 8-12 weeks of recovery and rehab before you can even commence returning to the kind of activities that would expose the shoulder to that level of activity again... The inability to even lift weights for probably 3 months would probably preclude any potential for a comeback in season.

Summary - Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgery for shoulders with torn rotator cuff tendons can lessen shoulder pain and improve function without acromioplasty.

***blackglass3*** · 09-01-2010, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

That said, I'm no fan of the current IR system. Come on NFL, help teams put a better product on the field come playoff time! Offer an 8-game IR provision. To prevent abuse, just don't start eligibility until after game 1, and require that the player be placed on the 53 for the game immediately following the IR period.

Hopefully, if they are angling for an 18 game schedule they will also help with IR rules and roster sizes.

Armen Da Pats Fan · 09-01-2010, 08:37 AM

I have never had this injury, but I am guessing reaching up to swat a ball or tie up a reciever might be pretty painful.

Not to mention laying your shoulder into a runner or a pile.

***juxtapoz15*** · 09-01-2010, 08:39 AM

Could another option have been to put him on PUP? I don't remember the rules exactly, isn't it for the first 6 games and you get to use his roster spot. So let's say he is out for 3 months at least half of it you would be able to use his roster spot.