The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Freeman set for sports hernia surgery today
FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is scheduled to have core/sports hernia surgery today in Philadelphia, according to the Vincera Institute.
William C. Meyers is one of the leaders in core/sports hernia injury surgery and founded the institute.
The Falcons placed Freeman on injured reserve Tuesday, with a hope that he could return this season.
“It’s the lower abdomen muscle or the abductor muscle below the pelvis,” said Brian M. Schulz, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles and team doctor for the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL. “Traditionally, doctors will either directly repair it or and use like a mesh to reinforce it. It really depends on the preference of the surgeon who is performing the procedure.”
Average recovery from core/sports hernia surgery is four to six weeks.
Other running backs who have returned from the surgery include Oakland’s Marshawn Lynch, Washington’s Adrian Peterson and the retired Arian Foster.
Other NFL players to have core surgery include Philadelphia tight end Zach Ertz and Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce (twice).
The earliest Freeman could return to action is for Game 15 against Carolina.
Freeman played in the season opener and suffered what was reported as a knee bruise against the Eagles. He missed the next three games before playing against the Steelers. He rushed eight times for 32 yards, but didn’t look to be at full speed on a 20-yard run after he got in the open field.
After the Pittsburgh game, Freeman got an MRI that revealed the tear in the core area. It was originally reported as a foot injury.
The Falcons are averaging 86 yards rushing per game, 29th in the league. Tevin Coleman and rookie Ito Smith have taken over most of the carries but have been ineffective mostly because of poor blocking.
After signing a six-year, $43 million contract in Aug. 2017, this is the second straight season Freeman has missed time with injuries. In two games this season, the twotime Pro Bowl selection has rushed 14 times for 68 yards and caught five passes for 23 yards.