This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Melvin Gordon
The Chargers drafted Gordon with the 15th overall pick in 2015 hoping he would provide the stability at running back the team had missed since LaDainian Tomlinson. His rookie season, though, was cut short by a small cartilage tear in his left knee. He underwent surgery a short time later and was expected to miss four to six months. The estimated timeline suggested the surgery was more significant than a simple meniscectomy, a fact later confirmed when it was revealed Gordon had undergone a microfracture procedure on the area.
Microfracture sits alongside Tommy John surgery as some of the scariest words for a professional athlete to hear. However, unlike Tommy John, microfracture is technique and not an exact surgery. While Tommy John is specifically utilized to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, microfracture can be utilized in a variety of locations, each with its own associated recovery timeline.
The term microfracture is used to describe a procedure in which a surgeon creates small crack or "microfractures" within a cartilage-covered bone to stimulate the healing response. Once the fractures have been created using a tool known as an awl, the body naturally fills the area using marrow-filled blood clots. With time, the surgically induced damage is further repaired and replaced by new cartilage. The resulting replacement cartilage is not as strong and durable as the original cartilage, but is effective enough to allow the athlete to return to action.
Microfracture is usually performed to address damage
Melvin Gordon
The Chargers drafted Gordon with the 15th overall pick in 2015 hoping he would provide the stability at running back the team had missed since LaDainian Tomlinson. His rookie season, though, was cut short by a small cartilage tear in his left knee. He underwent surgery a short time later and was expected to miss four to six months. The estimated timeline suggested the surgery was more significant than a simple meniscectomy, a fact later confirmed when it was revealed Gordon had undergone a microfracture procedure on the area.
Microfracture sits alongside Tommy John surgery as some of the scariest words for a professional athlete to hear. However, unlike Tommy John, microfracture is technique and not an exact surgery. While Tommy John is specifically utilized to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow, microfracture can be utilized in a variety of locations, each with its own associated recovery timeline.
The term microfracture is used to describe a procedure in which a surgeon creates small crack or "microfractures" within a cartilage-covered bone to stimulate the healing response. Once the fractures have been created using a tool known as an awl, the body naturally fills the area using marrow-filled blood clots. With time, the surgically induced damage is further repaired and replaced by new cartilage. The resulting replacement cartilage is not as strong and durable as the original cartilage, but is effective enough to allow the athlete to return to action.
Microfracture is usually performed to address damage to the articular cartilage of the knee but can be performed on other areas of the body, including the ankle. The technique can even be carried out on the kneecap itself when the cartilage surrounding the patella is damaged. Former New Orleans Saints receiver Marques Colston underwent this type of mircofracture in 2009.
The recovery time for microfracture is dependent on the location of the surgery and the size of the area repaired. Microfracture limited to the patella often comes with a shorter recovery, usually somewhere between four to six months. If a repair is needed on a weight-bearing bone like the tibia or femur, the effected individual can expect a longer recovery, likely somewhere between six to eight months.
The location of Gordon's cartilage injury remains unreported though the estimated timeline does suggest it was a smaller lesion in a favorable area of the knee joint. Gordon participated in San Diego's recent mandatory minicamp and is now on track to be completely cleared for the beginning of training camp.
Reggie Bush's success following microfracture surgery provides some evidence that Gordon could be in line for a more successful sophomore campaign. However, there will be risk for anyone willing to invest in Gordon this season. The recently formed cartilage isn't quite as strong as the original tissue and the risk of re-injury will linger. Consider making Gordon a second running back with upside after you've drafted a more reliable option at the position.
Turf Burns
Arian Foster: The veteran running back expects to be fully recovered from Achilles surgery, nine months after tearing the tendon. Foster is a free agent but will be a precarious fantasy pick even if he lands in the best possible situation. Foster's injury history before the injury was bad enough, as he has endured multiple hamstring strains, a bulging disc in his lower back that ultimately required surgery, sports hernia surgery and several other minor strains and sprains. Now factor in an Achilles' tendon injury that is often career altering and Foster's relatively advanced age and it's hard to see him returning to a Pro Bowl level. Fantasy owner should consider him a late-round flier at best.
Devonta Freeman: The Falcons' running back was one of the steals of last year's drafts as he put together a Pro Bowl season in his second year in the league. He was dealing with a mild glute strain earlier this summer but appears to be healthy. Moving past this seemingly minor injury is important to Freeman's long-term health as the glutes play an important role in both hip and knee movement. I expect him to be fine, but I will be looking at how Freeman moves in training camp.
Darren McFadden: Injuries to Tony Romo and Dez Bryant limited Dallas in 2015 and it was McFadden who was surprisingly the healthiest member of the offense. Unfortunately for him, his one-year run of good health has already ended after McFadden suffered a broken elbow in a fall at his house. He's expected to be sidelined for the next three months recovering. While he could still be ready for the start of the regular season, McFadden's injury opens the door for rookie Ezekiel Elliott to take over the starting role. Additionally, recently signed Alfred Morris will now get the chance to move up the depth chart, further clouding McFadden's long-term value and roster spot.
Mark Sanchez: The 29-year-old is the most proven option in Denver with Peyton Manning riding off into the sunset. However, the veteran will be handicapped in his attempt to ward of Trevor Siemian and Paxton Lynch as he continues to recover from offseason surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb. The involved thumb is on his non-throwing hand, so grip strength won't be a major issue but his ability to take a snap from under center may be negatively impacted. Keep an eye on this situation, as the value of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will be directly tied to whoever is throwing them the ball.
