Crabtree is seeking a high ankle sprain
specialist because it's not healing like
they hoped.
When Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree suffered a high ankle sprain Nov. 29 against Baylor, he had more than a month to recover for the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl.
Clearly, he was not ready to play, and said his ankle was at 80% health.
"We’re just trying to see what’s wrong with it," Michael Crabtree Sr. said. "We need to find a specialist so we can get it properly rehabbed."
The last thing the Seahawks need is another injury-prone wide receiver. Here’s some information on high ankle sprains related to Crabtree. I’ll try to avoid medical jargon.
To Continue...
Most ankle sprains can be treated with a relatively short period of rest and rehabilitation. However, a high ankle sprain is classified as a more severe sprain, potentially requiring surgery for a worst case scenario.
Michael Crabtree had about five weeks to recover from his ankle injury, which is not the recommended amount of time for a high ankle sprain classified as “stable”. These normally require six weeks in a cast. It is recommended that no weight be placed on the ankle for at least 3-4 weeks.
If Crabtree’s ankle is classified as “stable” it shouldn’t affect him come mini-camp.
If the sprain is classified as “unstable” surgery would be required, followed by about three months of recovery time. If he had the surgery today, he’d be walking by draft day.
Other medical outlets recommend not returning to sport for six to eight months, which would still land Crabtree in training camp.
Risk of Re-injury
After the injury, the ligament becomes “looser” than normal, creating a higher risk of re-injury, as with most injuries. This is the most troubling aspect of the injury, because one of the most valuable tools of a WR is the ankle; making quick cuts, turning and pivoting.
If the injury it determined to be a problem by scouts, then it could send Crabtree down the draft board.
SOURCES:
Institute for Sports Medicine.
Sports Injury Bulletin
