Wells could miss another 6-7 weeks.

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Jim Thomas

"Scott Wells has a fractured fifth metatarsal (bone) requiring surgery," Fisher said. "We're going to take advantage of the new injured reserve rule where we're allowed to place a player on injured reserve and bring him back after six weeks, so timing-wise that's (good). It's unfortunate for us, but it is fortunate that we'll be able to clear a roster spot for him."

Under the league's new "designated for return" rule, a team can place one player per season on injured reserve but have that player return to practice by Week 6 of the regular season. That player can play in a game as early as Week 8.

According to Fisher, Rams doctors have told him that a six-week recovery time for Wells is in the ballpark.

"It's the estimated time of return," Fisher said. "But each one's different. This one's not as severe as the doctors have seen. It's a clean break and it's a simple procedure."

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football ... 8908f.html

 

[PhxRam]

If we get to far in a hole they might as well let Wells have the year off. Heal the knee up, heal the foot up, come back next year at 100%

 

[Username]

Most likely. Here's a link to what he is probably going to be dealing with, and further information on the fracture.

http://www.physioroom.com/experts/exper ... yerson.php

What is the state of the art management of a Jones Fracture?

"Let us distinguish between an acute Jones fracture and a stress fracture of the base of the 5th metatarsal which occurs in the same region. The acute Jones fracture occurs as a result of an explosive force or acute injury, and the stress fracture is more insidious and associated with gradually worsening symptoms, until bone failure occurs.

"Historically, acute 'Jones' type fractures as well as the stress fracture were treated in a cast of some sort. However, it was noted that healing was particularly poor with both types of fracture. At that time, it was recommended that if a cast or boot were used, then the patient should not be allowed to bear weight for 6 weeks. While the rate of healing improved with this regimen, the success of this treatment was still inadequate, and this type of restricted activity is not an acceptable treatment in the athlete.

"For both the acute Jones fracture and chronic stress fracture operative treatment with a screw is ideal. It is not necessary to open the skin with a large incision to fix the fracture at all. We use a tiny puncture in the skin, and then insert a small pin into the Metatarsal guided with a live X-Ray machine called 'fluoroscopy'. Once the pin has been inserted across the fracture into the canal of the metatarsal, it is then easy to insert a screw into the shaft of the metatarsal to facilitate healing. The size and type of the screw are very important. Athletes are allowed to bear weight on the foot immediately following surgery in a boot, but limit impact loading of the foot, particularly twisting activities.

"Physiotherapy is an essential part of the recovery, maintaining flexibility of the foot, decreasing swelling, and stimulating tissue healing. We use an external bone stimulator in all athletes which is applied to the foot daily to speed up the healing process. Exercise can begin in a single plane (bike, elliptical trainer, swimming pool) by 4 weeks, but monitored according to swelling and discomfort. Running in a pool, with the help of a buoyancy belt, followed by running on a hard surface can begin once soreness is relieved, usually at 6-8 weeks, and then finally a return to full activities including twisting and pivoting by 8-10 weeks."

Hope this helps.