Mailbag & Tidbits: DJ Reed stem cells, NFL vs non-NFL timelines, Sorsby supplemental draft

Reviewing some recent topics around the Lions and the NFL

DJ Reed gets stem cell treatment for hamstring

Recently, Reed revealed that he had stem cell treatment in Panama for his hamstring injury. By all accounts, he is feeling and looking great in his recovery from his hamstring. However, it’s unlikely that stem cells can be credited.

I discussed the reasons previously in PRP & Stem Cell Treatment: Hype vs Reality. There are studies that suggest that PRP might shorten NFL hamstring recovery by one game, but evidence is weak. The studies on stem cells for hamstrings is even more hard to find.

A reason why pro athletes might attempt these treatments is because the risks are low. The most common side effect is temporary pain and swelling of the injection site - found in about 12%. Major side effects like infection, immune reaction, clots, and tumors are possible but very unlikely.

The main barrier to these treatments is the financial cost and the hassle of flying to other countries, as many of these treatments are not legal in the USA. For many NFL players, the potential reward outweighs the costs and minor risks.

---

NFL vs non-NFL recovery timelines

This is a fascinating question by The Watcher. There are many reasons why an NFL player’s recovery period would be shorter than a normal civilian’s.

• NFL players are in their athletic age prime, while civilians may not be.

• Comorbidities (associated health problems) like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, obesity, etc. will slow healing. NFL players rarely have these kinds of problems.

• The timeline goals of an NFL player are completely different compared to a typical job. NFL players get paid for 17 games per calendar year and there is a huge urgency to be available for those games. Most other jobs don’t have that kind of time urgency. The short and rigid work season of the NFL will affect rehab aggressiveness.

• NFL players’ job is to rest and rehab. There is no other job getting in the way of that. This isn’t true for most people who may often have to work through - and subsequently aggravate - an injury.

• NFL players are able to get imaging tests done and surgeries scheduled much faster than the general population. Thus, they can get a headstart on recovery.

• NFL players have the money and access to every possible rehabilitation device and technique. Whether this actually matters is debatable.

These are just some of the factors why an NFL player’s recovery will be faster on average than a normal “civilian”. Which factors actually makes a difference? Don’t expect any definitive answers as performing a quality study that controls for these variables would be borderline impossible and potentially unethical.

If you have any thoughts on why NFL players may recover faster than the rest of us, leave a comment below.

---

Brendan Sorsby heads to NFL supplemental draft

After weeks of will-he-or-won’t-he play another year of college football, Sorsby is (for now) heading into the NFL supplemental draft. Some have wondered if the Lions should take a swing given the team’s need for a long-term backup QB.

When asked about Sorsby in a recent minicamp press conference, Dan Campbell responded:

All I can tell you is that we look at everything. Brad looks at everything, so nothing is off the docket, so our eyes are open.

This generic, media-friendly answer tells us nothing either way. But I don’t think the Lions will have any interest in Sorsby. Part of the reason is the position he plays.

Here is what I wrote in my Brendan Sorsby Gambling Analysis article back in May:

The Lions have been dealing with player unreliability due to injury the past couple years, and have addressed that this offseason by adding cleaner, healthier players - detailed in my Lions Offseason Health Review.

Sorsby may not have a typical football “injury”, but his addiction presents major reliability concerns similar to any chronic injury. Thus, he would not be a good fit for the Lions’ current roster philosophy.

As far as other NFL teams, there are media reports suggesting Sorsby could be taken in the 1st or 2nd round of the supplemental draft. I’m dubious about that and would be surprised to see any team give up more than a very late-round pick for Sorsby. In fact, I think there’s a very good chance he goes undrafted. If I’m a NFL general manager, I would not want to add this kind of risk and headache at any cost.