Clemson University Da’Quan Bowers recovering from knee surgery
Da’Quan Bowers, defensive end from Clemson University, had a medical exam performed that shows that he may have arthritis and weakness in his knee over the long run, according to a source close to Bowers.
Bowers was projected as being one of the top ten draft picks in April’s 2011 National Football League (NFL) Draft, but the recheck, performed three months after surgery was performed on Bowers’ knee, may cause teams to back away from picking Bowers in the
top ten, since his recheck shows that he will most likely have problems with knee injuries.
However, unnamed officials from two teams said that although some teams may be scared away by the medical status of Bowers, others may still take Bowers early on if his issues prove to be not as problematic as first thought.
Joe Flanagan, Bowers’ agent, said that he has been speaking to teams, collecting information, and has heard many different opinions but none that make him feel as though his client’s status in the draft will be drastically affected. He also said that the
teams assured him that Bowers’ immediate prospect is not at risk.
"All 32 NFL clubs have had full access to Da'Quan's records since January and have had the opportunity to physically examine him at least twice," Flanagan said in a statement. "With this knowledge, top-10 teams brought him in all last week and continue to
bring Da'Quan in for visits this week. All of these clubs are strongly considering selecting him with their first pick, not based upon a potential medical downside, but because of Da'Quan's film, smarts, character and tremendous physical upside".
Flanagan also said that the surgery was “very minor” and that the micro-fracture surgery was performed by Dr. Larry Bowman, so he is not worried. He also said that his client "was off crutches and bearing weight only three days after surgery", and will be
as good as new by the time the season starts, pending a new collective bargaining agreement.
Widely-known orthopaedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews endorsed Bowers and his "comfort level was such that he said Da'Quan should 'be able to resume his professional football career without any problems' and that he has a 'good prognosis for his career' ”.
Flanagan did, however, say that there were no signs of arthritis, contrary to what another source said.
Flanagan did say that there is a difference of strength between Bowers’ knees but assured that there was nothing wrong with it after the surgery. He also said that any imbalance would be corrected by the draft since his client had been undergoing rehabilitation
on his knee and that he has started football strength training.
Although some teams are worried about picking Bowers because of his knee, Flanagan heartedly denies any major issues in the short and long run.
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