A multitude of NFL teams are concerned about the back of former LSU Tigers quarterback Zach Mettenberger, according to Ian Rapoport and Chase Goodbread of NFL.com.
NFL Combine reveals Zach Mettenberger, others have medical concerns
The former LSU standout is being projected as a first or second-round pick, but his back issues could be a major problem.
Scott Cunningham
Mettenberger’s physical evaluations have shown a condition in his back known as spondylolysis. While the condition is not something that would require surgery, it will be a red flag as far as durability goes.
Spondylolysis consists of multiple little fractures in the back, a common injury for athletes, according to LSU trainer Jack Marucci:
“Did it flare up in his career? Yes. We would treat it and he’d be fine. It wasn’t something we thought was a chronic disc or something. He doesn’t need surgery. There’s no surgery for it. He’s worked with our doctors. This shouldn’t be a big deal as long as you treat it, we did some core stabilization. His senior year, we didn’t even talk about it.”
Spondylolysis affects about three to seven percent of Americans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can cause lower back pain and is more often seen in men and women under the age of 26 who play sports. Surprisingly, many people who have the condition live unaware of it.
During his senior season, offensive coordinator and former NFL head coach Cam Cameron worked on Mettenberger’s throwing mechanics to help him deal with the ailment.
How far will this make Mettenberger drop in the draft? Hard to say. It only takes one team to believe in you and pass on the red flags. Then again, a quarterback will take his share of hits regardless of the offensive line in front of him.
Other youngsters with medical concerns include a who's who of SEC talent, per SI.com. Auburn running back Tre Mason has a fractured wrist, while Georgia's Aaron Murray is still recovering from his torn ACL. Then there is Alabama offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio, who has failed multiple physicals because of a questionable knee, according to reports.
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