Three prominent young NFL stars saw their seasons come to an end over the holiday weekend after they all suffered devastating leg injuries during their games. We’ll quickly recap all three injuries in this blog:
Derek Carr
The biggest blow to a team was dealt to the Oakland Raiders, who lost their starting quarterback and potential MVP candidate Derek Carr during Saturday’s win over the Colts. Carr was moving up in the pocket when he was tackled awkwardly from behind, and his right leg absorbed the force of the tackle. Carr immediately waved trainers onto the field and he was carted off to the locker room. Imaging tests revealed that he suffered a broken right fibula.
Carr is expected to undergo surgery on his fibula today, and his expected recovery timetable is 6-8 weeks. Even though that six week timetable suggests that he could potentially play in the Super Bowl should the Raiders advance, it’s virtually impossible to suggest that he has a chance to play in that game. His body wouldn’t be up to NFL game speed, and the fracture would be at risk for re-injury. The Raiders will have to hope backup Matt McGloin can take them to the promised land.
Marcus Mariota
Carr wasn’t the only quarterback to break his fibula on Saturday. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota also fractured his right fibula as he was tackled from behind while his right ankle twisted beneath his body. Mariota’s fibula fracture sounds more severe, as head coach Mike Mularkey said the quarterback will need to have a plate inserted into his leg to support his fibula, and he’ll need 4-5 months to fully recover. Mariota will undergo his procedure on Wednesday.
Since the Titans are out of the playoff race, that timeline suggests that Mariota should be back to full health in June when organized team activities begin. Matt Cassel will start the final game of the season on Sunday.
Tyler Lockett
Last but not least, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett underwent surgery Saturday night after suffering a fracture to both his tibia and fibula in a game against the Cardinals. Lockett’s head coach spoke about the operation after it was complete.
“He had a great surgery. They had to go right at it, and they say in four to six weeks he’ll be up moving and getting on the AlterG (treadmill) and working and all that. It’s a very secure job they did. They’ve got some issues with infections they have to fight to make sure he comes through clean, because there was a little break in the skin, but other than that, he has a chance to have a great recovery. This is a remarkable person. He’s going to do everything you can do to be right. He’ll beat all the records on timeframes coming back.”
Hopefully Carroll is correct in his assessment that Lockett will be able to recover quickly from his injuries, but just like Carr, he has no real chance of returning to the field this season even if the Seahawks were to make it to the Super Bowl.