This article is part of our Injury Analysis series.
Thomas Rawls
With Marshawn Lynch shifting from Beast Mode to retired, Rawls has a major opportunity to become the lead back in Seattle. The second-year running back impressed as a rookie, totaling 830 rushing yards and a league-high 5.65 yards per carry when he took over for the injured Lynch. Unfortunately, a fractured ankle prematurely ended his season. There have been conflicting reports on whether Rawls required surgery on the ankle but either way he spent the majority of his summer aggressively rehabbing the area.
The fracture isn't that much of a worry, especially if surgery was not required. Bone tissue is one of the few tissues of the body that is capable of returning to its pre-injury strength. Specialized cells within the bone that constantly remodel the bone following applied stress make this possible. As a result, a fracture site can not only be repaired but also fortified to better handle the various demands it faces.
However, Rawls also sustained ligament damage in the area, a significant complicating factor. Ligaments, like most tissues of the body, have a specific characteristic known as a yield point. When stress applied to a ligament exceeds the structure's yield point, it undergoes a gross failure or deformation that results in a physical change. Once a ligament has been stressed past its yield point its biological makeup remains forever changed, no matter how much rehab and treatment it receives. To combat this issue, even if the ligament gets close to their original integrity, physical
Thomas Rawls
With Marshawn Lynch shifting from Beast Mode to retired, Rawls has a major opportunity to become the lead back in Seattle. The second-year running back impressed as a rookie, totaling 830 rushing yards and a league-high 5.65 yards per carry when he took over for the injured Lynch. Unfortunately, a fractured ankle prematurely ended his season. There have been conflicting reports on whether Rawls required surgery on the ankle but either way he spent the majority of his summer aggressively rehabbing the area.
The fracture isn't that much of a worry, especially if surgery was not required. Bone tissue is one of the few tissues of the body that is capable of returning to its pre-injury strength. Specialized cells within the bone that constantly remodel the bone following applied stress make this possible. As a result, a fracture site can not only be repaired but also fortified to better handle the various demands it faces.
However, Rawls also sustained ligament damage in the area, a significant complicating factor. Ligaments, like most tissues of the body, have a specific characteristic known as a yield point. When stress applied to a ligament exceeds the structure's yield point, it undergoes a gross failure or deformation that results in a physical change. Once a ligament has been stressed past its yield point its biological makeup remains forever changed, no matter how much rehab and treatment it receives. To combat this issue, even if the ligament gets close to their original integrity, physical therapists will help fortify the area by strengthening the muscles surrounding it. But the long-term stability of the joint will remain subtlety affected.
The Seahawks and Rawls remain confident that his recovery process has proceeded as planned and there is now growing optimism that he will be completely cleared when training camp begins. Still, it seems likely the team monitors Rawls' workload throughout camp and the preseason to ensure he's healthy and available when the regular season arrives. Furthermore, Seattle's decision to draft three running backs in April better positions it to conservatively manage the situation. As fantasy drafts commence, consider Rawls a second- to third-tier running back with a fair amount of risk.
Joe Flacco
Last week I detailed the comebacks of receivers Jordy Nelson and Kelvin Benjamin and the challenges they face in their individual returns from ACL injuries. I commented that timing was key for the pair as both receivers sustained their injuries during last year's preseason. Flacco wasn't quite as lucky as his ACL tear occurred in late November with surgery in December. As result, it seemed increasingly likely his recovery would have a carryover effect into the 2016 season. However, with training camp a few weeks ahead, it appears as though Flacco has a good chance of participating despite being just seven months post-surgery. Part of the reason for the improved timeline should be attributed to advancements in both procedure and treatment, but Flacco's position and style of play should also be considered.
Generally, quarterbacks aren't required to make sudden starts and stops as regularly as running backs and wide receivers. As a result the knee isn't stressed as frequently or violently, reducing the chances of re-injury. Additionally, quarterbacks less inclined to leave the pocket have bounced back quicker following ACL surgery than their more mobile counterparts. Both Tom Brady and Carson Palmer had successful seasons following an ACL tear and set a promising precedent for Flacco.
However, that doesn't mean Flacco won't face his own set of challenges. His normal offseason routine has been disrupted by a grueling rehab process. The former Super Bowl MVP recently admitted he's not where he would like to be at this point of the offseason and may require some extra time to get his throwing arm up to full strength. Flacco was never going to be a fantasy stud, but his ongoing recovery and suspect supporting cast makes him little more than a backup or bye-week filler.
Turf Burns
Ladarius Green: Green spent the majority of his time in San Diego in the shadows of Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates. He will face no such problem with the Steelers following Heath Miller's retirement. Green has the potential to emerge as a major fantasy weapon in Pittsburgh's pass-friendly offense, but he must first prove he's healthy and able. Green is recovering from offseason ankle surgery, though details on the procedure remain vague. He did not take part in OTAs and the odds of him being ready for the start of camp remain slim. Given the uncertainty surrounding his health, Green should only be drafted once more reliable tight ends are off the board.
Allen Robinson: One of the breakout stars of the 2015 season, the Jacksonville receiver did not participate in OTAs due to a minor hamstring injury. Hopefully, the injury resolves itself in time for training camp as muscle injuries to the lower extremity tend to be particularly troublesome for dynamic receivers. He should be fine, but keep an eye on the situation entering training camp to ensure he remains an elite option at the position.
Sammy Watkins: The Buffalo wideout has been cleared for running after undergoing surgery to address a fractured fifth metatarsal. While it is definitely a promising sign, expectations should remain tempered as he remains susceptible to potential complications or re-injury. The 23-year-old still has a decent chance at being ready for Week 1 but keep in mind his elevated inherent injury risk.
