Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal consulted two medical experts to better understand the ankle injury that will keep Zach Edey sidelined into the new year.
According to Cole’s reporting, the current issue is separate from the ankle surgery Edey underwent in the offseason.
That procedure focused on ligaments and other soft tissue, while the latest diagnosis involves a stress reaction in the bone itself.
Although the injuries affect the same ankle, doctors do not view this as a direct re-injury.
One explanation offered centers on the physical demands of recovery. Orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon Kenneth Jung suggested the injury may be tied to how quickly Edey progressed during rehabilitation.
“It’s most likely related to the rehab, where he may have ramped up too quick,” Jung said. “Basically, the stress in the bone means the load up on the bone is quicker than the bone can keep up with.”
Despite the setback, neither doctor expressed significant concern about Edey’s long-term outlook. Jung explained that the situation would only become worrisome if the problem continues or fails to heal properly.
“I would become more concerned if it’s recurrent, or the bone just doesn’t respond and he needs more time ramping up,” he said. “If he recovers and gets back to play, then I don’t think it’s an issue.”
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