Video: Dr. Details Damone Clark's Spinal Fusion and Return Timetable

[Pass2Run]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

 

[Bullflop]

There doesn't appear to be any set way to predict how long Clark's return to a full recovery might take. It'll probably be under close observation by the doctor(s) involved to determine when it's considered safe for him to return. Perhaps it can be determined by how the x-rays appear. That's merely an observers guess on my part, though. The doctors should rightfully have the final word concerning his readiness.

 

[baltcowboy]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

I have a feeling he will physically be able to play in November. I just don’t know if mentally he will be ready to play at all this season.

 

[Stash]

There doesn't appear to be any set way to predict how long Clark's return to a full recovery might take. It'll probably be under close observation by the doctor(s) involved to determine when it's considered safe for him to return. Perhaps it can be determined by how the x-rays appear. That's merely an observers guess on my part, though. The doctors should rightfully have the final word concerning his readiness.

I agree with you.

From the sound of everything I’ve read and heard, I think the Cowboys will take it slowly with Clark. I think that’s been their plan all along. Get a ‘draft steal’ knowing you won’t have him available until year two. But when he IS ready, you’ll have a top talent.

In other words, I’ll be surprised if he sees the field in a game this season.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

They should IR him. No need to rush him back this season.

 

[Flamma]

I had one back in 2016. The pain was ridiculous. It also affected my left arm. That was in a lot of pain and two fingers were numb. I got an MRI for work purposes and was out 7 weeks. By the end of 7 weeks 90% of the pain was gone. But I didn't go play football afterwards. I was able to do physical work after about 8 weeks without pain. They're going to try and surgically repair his so that it doesn't come back again. I guess it all depends on how long it takes to fuse. There's no point in going through that procedure if you're not going to wait for it to complete.

 

[CowboyRoy]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

He really didnt say much of anything to give us hope he could play this year. Seems like he will return at some point in the next year.

 

[phildadon86]

He really didnt say much of anything to give us hope he could play this year. Seems like he will return at some point in the next year.

I don’t think he was ever playing this year. Happy they waited until the later rounds this time for a redshirt rookie lol

 

[CowboysFaninHouston]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

well, at least we didn't spend a second round pick on him like we did with Jaylon...and then pay him a massive contract

 

[xwalker]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

Clark was my favorite LB in the draft before they announced his back issue.

If not for the back issue, I would have ok with him at #24 (if Tyler Smith was not available) and definitely in favor of drafting him in the 2nd.

The Doctor made it sound as-if the disc remains after fusion; however, I thought the disc would be completely removed.

The 1st few weeks/months is critical because it's being held in place by the screws and rod.
- If something happed to that, it could end up fusing back together at an incorrect angle or with insufficient spacing.

 

[xwalker]

He really didnt say much of anything to give us hope he could play this year. Seems like he will return at some point in the next year.

I would prefer that they don't try to play him this year.

What is the point? He would be a rookie with no training camp and probably less than 100% strength due to having to avoid lifting heavy.

I don't think 2022 counts as a year towards free agency if he remains on the NFI.
- Getting 2022 plus 4 full years before free agency would make the pick even more worthwhile.

 

[Creeper]

To me, the question is not if he plays this year or next. The question is if he ever plays again. It all depends on the whether the fusion takes or not. The good news is unlike Jaylon Smith, this injury should not effect his speed or quickness once he gets back on the field. Clark was probably drafted to replace LVE who is likely gone after this year.

 

[xwalker]

I had one back in 2016. The pain was ridiculous. It also affected my left arm. That was in a lot of pain and two fingers were numb. I got an MRI for work purposes and was out 7 weeks. By the end of 7 weeks 90% of the pain was gone. But I didn't go play football afterwards. I was able to do physical work after about 8 weeks without pain. They're going to try and surgically repair his so that it doesn't come back again. I guess it all depends on how long it takes to fuse. There's no point in going through that procedure if you're not going to wait for it to complete.

Any problems since then?

For people that I've known with fusion surgery or even with microdiscectomy, the instant relief was really amazing.

 

[Flamma]

Any problems since then?

For people that I've known with fusion surgery or even with microdiscectomy, the instant relief was really amazing.

None. But I didn't get fusion surgery. But at the time I worked road maintenance. That can be pretty demanding. I since went back to an easier job, but I was able to do the work after about 8 weeks. But it has never come back. I think this situation for the player is a lot better than people make it sound. I'm in my 50s, he's a young dude. He'll be just fine.

 

[Flamma]

I'll lend another bit of optimism. My injury was an old injury. Something I got back years ago when I played every sport imaginable 24/7. The reason it was bad for me now is because I worked through the pain an entire night. And I'm not 30 years old. The key is to not do anything physical until it heals. Recognize it early, and take it easy. It may never come back. But if it does, just relax. He's actually getting a procedure to make sure it never comes back.

 

[john van brocklin]

The only thing I'm hoping is that Clark ends up being better than Dean.

For some reason, I don't think Dean will pan out in the NFL. I think there's a bigger reason why he didn't test, because he's not an NFL-level athlete, I suspect.

Anyway, here's the deal on Clark.

Thanks for posting.
I just hope he can return to health.
Any football would be icing on the cake.

 

[TequilaCowboy]

Yeah, looks like it would be best to err on the safe side and just let him rehab all this year, let him heal properly and not rushed in. This is just dealing with his physical problem, i feel mentally he will not be ready either. Come back 100 in 2023 ready to go.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Yeah, looks like it would be best to err on the safe side and just let him rehab all this year, let him heal properly and not rushed in. This is just dealing with his physical problem, i feel mentally he will not be ready either. Come back 100 in 2023 ready to go.

Exactly, and think how good our defence would be next year.

 

[windward]

Any problems since then?

For people that I've known with fusion surgery or even with microdiscectomy, the instant relief was really amazing.

Fusion here and had instant relief post surgery. Took a few months for my hands to start functioning at 100 percent again. Started really working out 9 months post surgery but that was also during lockdown and I’m not a pro athlete.

 

[Pass2Run]

Fusion here and had instant relief post surgery. Took a few months for my hands to start functioning at 100 percent again. Started really working out 9 months post surgery but that was also during lockdown and I’m not a pro athlete.

Good to know.

It sounds like the Cowboys did their homework here. This may end up being a really good pick for us.