Injury Analysis: How Risky is Julio?

Le'Veon Bell

Bell has been one of the top-producing fantasy running backs the last few seasons, though multiple injuries caused him to miss time. He underwent offseason surgery to address a muscular injury that sidelined him for a majority of last season's AFC championship game. That mid-March core muscle procedure is becoming increasingly common in professional sports.

Bell's injury might have been previously described as a sports hernia, a misleading catchall term for a particular injury to the abdominal and groin area. A "sports hernia" generally develops when recurring forces applied to an individual's midsection are diverted through the groin and/or abdominal muscles. The redirected stress can then lead to micro-tears in one or multiple muscles along the new pathway. The resulting damage leaves the abdominal wall and inguinal canal weakened and vulnerable to a true hernia.

However, in most sports hernia an actual protrusion will not be present. 

Recently, there has been a movement within the medical field to stop using the term sports hernia because the damage from this injury can occur to a wide range of muscles and present without a true hernia. Leading the way is renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Meyers. The Philadelphia based surgeon opts to use the term "core muscle injury" instead. Over the past few years Dr. Meyers has amassed an impressive client list and performed multiple core muscle surgeries on NFL running backs, including Marshawn Lynch, Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster. He was also involved with Bell's injury.

Fortunately, core muscle surgery has a high success rate, and Bell should be healthy for the start of the season. A potential holdout could complicate his return to play timeline, though Bell is expected to sign his franchise tender. As long as he can get reps with the first-team offense, I wouldn't hesitate to make him one of the top options on my draft board.

Julio Jones

The Atlanta wide receiver will be one of the top high-risk/high-reward options in this year's drafts. The All-Pro has played16 games in a season just twice in his six-year career as he has amassed a surprisingly high number of lower-extremity injuries. Since 2011 Jones has endured multiple ankle sprains and hamstring strains, a calf strain and a moderate groin strain. He has also needed multiple surgeries to address a fractured fifth metatarsal in his foot and battled a nagging case of turf toe throughout last season. Jones added another surgery to his list this offseason after undergoing a procedure to remove a painful bunion from his foot.

This laundry list of injuries would give anyone reason for pause on draft day, but it is particularly worrisome for a wide receiver. Muscular injuries like the ones Jones has endured are often easily aggravated and can becoming a chronic issue. His numerous foot surgeries only complicate the matter as they can contribute to muscle imbalances and further heighten his risk of injury or re-injury. There is no denying his talent and high ceiling, but make sure you add depth to your receiving corps if you gamble on Jones.

Latavius Murray

The former Oakland running back is hoping to ease the departure of former MVP Adrian Peterson in Minnesota. However, offseason surgery has limited his availability and prevented him from securing the starting role. Shortly after signing with the Vikings, Murray underwent an ankle debridement procedure to remove bone spurs within the joint. The surgery is designed to be minimally invasive and allow for a quicker recovery and fewer complications.

With the root of his lingering ankle problems removed, Murray should be able to focus on maintaining his overall conditioning and preparing for the start of the regular season. Look for him to be an active participant in training camp and contend with rookie Dalvin Cook for the top spot on the Minnesota depth chart.

Turf Burns

Andrew Luck, Cam Newton: Both quarterbacks remain limited with training camp just days away. Luck is working his way back from a shoulder labrum repair, but it is unknown if he has resumed throwing. I'm not overly concerned with his Week 1 availability yet as I initially anticipated he wouldn't be back until mid-training camp. Labral repairs generally have a high success rate and multiple quarterbacks have returned to a high-level following the procedure. However, I would bump him down a spot or two if he continues to be treated conservatively and remains limited into late July and early August.

Newton has begun throwing again following surgery to repair a partially torn rotator cuff, though he too remains a bit of a fantasy question mark. The Panthers have openly stated they plan on limiting his rushing attempts to protect his shoulder and recent studies have shown that arm strength following a cuff repair might not completely return for at least a year. As a result, I anticipate some early season struggles for the former MVP.

Marcus Mariota, Derek Carr: Another pair of quarterbacks is looking to bounce back from surprisingly similar injuries. Both Mariota and Carr suffered fractured fibulas in Week 16 last season. Both underwent surgery to address their respective injuries, though it is believed Mariota's injury involved more accompanying ligament damage.

Both were active participants in their team's offseason activities and are expected to be ready to go for the start of camp. Mariota is set up to be a top-10 fantasy quarterback with Carr falling somewhere in the next tier.

Travis Kelce: The Chiefs expect to have Kelce back for training camp after the tight end needed offseason shoulder surgery. Specifics about the operation have been vague with the team calling it a "clean up." If he is indeed ready for camp and practices without limitations Kelce could challenge Rob Gronkowski as the top fantasy tight end. Kelce has appeared in all 48 regular season games of his young career. This durability could give him an edge over the often-injured Gronk. Keep an eye on his availability during the early days of camp.