NFL Stars On The Mend

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jun 4, 2009

NFL Stars On The Mend

Tom Brady, Patriots

Brady's streak of 111 consecutive starts (fourth-most ever by a quarterback) ended abruptly when he tore his ACL and MCL midway through the first quarter of the Patriots' first game in 2008. As he looks to bounce back this season, seeking to match the form that saw him set the all-time record for touchdowns in a season (50 in '07), his health warrants monitoring. The same goes for some other NFL stars.

Brian Westbrook

Eagles running back Brian Westbrook missed one game last year with a high ankle sprain, had minor knee surgery after Philly lost in the NFC championship game and is now scheduled to have surgery on his right ankle. The Eagles can ill-afford to be without their injury-prone star for too long.

Carson Palmer, Bengals

A partially torn tendon and ligament in his throwing arm forced Palmer to miss 12 games last season. He opted against Tommy John surgery, choosing to shut things down and hope that an extended rest would help. So far, so good. But as he goes, so do the Bengals.

Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks

After leading the Seahawks to their fourth consecutive division title and fifth straight playoff appearance in 2007, Hasselbeck suffered a series of injuries beginning in the '08 preseason. A bulging disc in his back, coupled with a knee injury and helmet-to-helmet contact conspired to end the quarterback's season, as Seattle struggled to a 4-12 record in Mike Holmgren's final season as head coach. Hasselbeck's due back, but how's his back going to hold up?

Brett Favre

Ok, so he's ''<i>retired</i>" and you're beyond tired of hearing about him, but his injury situation has some Vikings fans monitoring every possible update and hoping that he's healthy enough to lead their franchise.

LaDainian Tomlinson, Chargers

Tomlinson partially tore his groin in the Chargers' regular-season finale, but came back to play the first half of San Diego's playoff win against the Colts before re-aggravating the injury. After agreeing to a new three-year deal with the Bolts, LT hopes he can focus injury-free on the field -- where he's four touchdowns away from tying Marcus Allen for third on the all-time list.

Reggie Bush, Saints

The oft-injured Bush didn't make it through 16 games in either of the last two seasons, so it's not a reach to think he'll be sidelined again this year. He had surgery last October to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and more surgery on the same knee in January.

Felix Jones, Cowboys

Dallas was firing on all cylinders last season with the swift-footed Jones scoring a touchdown on his first professional carry and then serving as a nice complement to running mate Marion Barber. Will the torn left hamstring that sidelined Jones last season hold up as the Cowboys move to their new stadium?

Walter Jones, Seahawks

The massive left tackle missed his first game since 2002 last year and had microfracture surgery on his left knee at season's end. He's 35 and entering his 13th season with Seattle. Can Seattle depend on him or not?

Marques Colston, Saints

Drew Brees' favorite receiver had microfracture surgery on his left knee in January, and though he seems to be responding well, there has to be concern about his durability.

Derrick Mason, Ravens

He was Joe Flacco's favorite target last season, hauling in 80 receptions for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns. But he had offseason shoulder surgery that warrants monitoring.

Jeremy Shockey, Saints

A sports hernia and ankle injury sidelined Shockey for much of the 2008 season, and he was found unconscious at a pool party in Las Vegas in mid-May, suffering from dehydration. Saints fans have to be asking what next with this guy? He's beginning to resemble an injury waiting to happen.

Osi Umenyiora, Giants

The Giants were forced to play all of last season without their Pro Bowl defensive end after he tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee during a preseason game, the same knee he had surgery on while in college at Troy State. It's only natural that the Giants will be watching with baited breath every time he's slow to get up from the ground.

Charles Tillman, Bears

The standout cornerback had reconstructive shoulder surgery after the season and is expected to be at 100 percent for training camp. Lovie Smith and Co. are hoping that prognosis is right.

Shawne Merriman, Chargers

After tallying 12.5 sacks and notching his third straight Pro-Bowl bid in 2007, Merriman underwent reconstructive surgery to repair torn knee ligaments. Merriman, who had more sacks than any other player from 2005 to '07 (39.5), missed the entire '08 season. Time will tell if he's still the same player.

Chris Harris, Panthers

The strong safety had 70 tackles in '08, despite playing at least the latter portion of the season with a torn labrum in his shoulder. Harris underwent surgery in January, and should require three to four months of rehab, but he should be ready to go in time for training camp. Carolina's counting on that.

Patrick Kerney, Seahawks

Kerney has twice had surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder and could miss most, if not all of training camp. He led the NFC in sacks with 14.5 in 2007. The Seahawks need that Patrick Kerney back.<br><br>Who would you add to the list? Send comments to siwriters@simail.com