On July 22, 2019, Atlanta Falcons safety JJ Wilcox had to be taken off the field minutes into the first training camp of the offseason. It was later determined that Wilcox tore his right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Wilcox just recently signed with the Falcons and was expected to make their roster as a back up safety.
Wilcox is going to have surgery to reconstruct his ACL and will be out for the entire 2019-20 season.
To learn more about ACL surgery and recovery click here.
Texas Longhorns’ linebacker De’Gabriel Floyd was diagnosed with spinal stenosis on April 6th. Throughout spring practice, Floyd has not been able to take part in full-contact drills. His lingering neck problems were initially thought to be a continuation of the multiple injuries he sustained as a high school athlete that gave him stinger issues (nerve symptoms from the brachial plexus or cervical nerve roots). However, an MRI scan among other tests in recent weeks led doctors to diagnose Floyd with spinal stenosis. Given his history with stingers, Floyd likely has cervical (neck) spinal stenosis. People that are born with a narrower spinal canal can have more such symptoms and are at greater risk of spinal cord injury.
Spinal stenosis is a condition where the spaces within the spine are narrowed, which makes the spinal cord and nerves traveling through the spine susceptible to pressure. The most commonly affected areas are the lower back and neck and symptoms can include pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness. Spinal stenosis mostly occurs when the open space within the spine is narrowed. Lumbar (low back) stenosis is more common with age, where bone spurs from arthritis narrow the spinal canal. Cervical (neck) stenosis can be something one is born with, which is referred to as “congenital”.
Floyd will sit out for the 2019 season. Athletes who have congenital cervical spinal stenosis are generally advised to stop playing American football. For now, Floyd will exercise and stay in shape, but he will avoid contact while assessing the risk and what he will choose for his future. He will make a decision next January.
Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis as a freshman in 2009. Jones declined surgery and had a very successful college football career. He is now a free agent after four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and part of one season with the Arizona Cardinals. Cooper Manning, brother of Eli and Peyton Manning, was diagnosed with cervical spinal stenosis as an 18-year-old. Manning was set to play wide receiver for Ole Miss, but chose to stop playing football as he felt the risks were too great. Former Pro Bowl football players with cervical spinal stenosis include Michael Irvin, Marcus McNeill, Chris Samuels, and Sterling Sharpe.
On January 13th, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a divisional playoff game at the Superdome. On the second defensive possession of the first quarter, Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins fell to the ground holding his left leg. Following an initial assessment by Saints medical trainers, Rankins was carted off the field. He did not return to the game.
It was later revealed that he had torn his Achilles tendon. He had an MRI. We often talk about overuse of MRI in professional athletes. There is some thought that knowing the exact location on MRI might direct treatment, but that is debatable. The problem is obvious on examination.
Rankins chose to have surgery to repair the torn Achilles a few days after the injury. It will be difficult for him to be ready in time for the start of the 2019 season.
