Beanie Wells Injury Update, Surgery Not Needed, Timetable For Return Uncertain

by JoeCB1991 on Oct 24, 2011 2:26 PM MDT in General Arizona Cardinals News

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 23: Beanie Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals runs the ball up field against the Pittsburgh Steelers at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)

Beanie Wells had to leave the game with a knee injury during the second quarter of the Cardinals loss to the Steelers. The news on his injury is better than what was feared, but it is unknown when he will be back.

The injury was after a hit he took to the knee that caused some swelling. Coach Whisenhunt said during his morning press conference that the knee locked up on him, and at one point they thought that he would be done for the year. The fact that surgery is not necessary is great news.

Coach Whisenhunt also did not provide details on the injury, but a report on NFL.com said he could miss two weeks with a bone bruise. Whiz did deny that a bone bruise was the injury though.

If Beanie misses next Sundays game in Baltimore, Alfonso Smith will get the start, but he would also rotate with LaRod Stephens-Howling and Chester Taylor in a backfield by committee that looks more like what was done during the previous two seasons with Beanie and Tim Hightower.

On the season, Beanie has played well, running for 423 yards and 6 scores on 91 carries in the five games that he has played so far. Hopefully this injury won't be a setback on what has been a breakout season for Beanie.

On an unrelated note, former Cardinal Tim Hightower is also out for the season with a torn ACL. It is unfortunate that Beanie and Tim both were injured in the same week, and hopefully both of them will recover fully as soon as possible.

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And some updates from SOmers that were posted after I wrote this

kentsomers Kent Somers
Whiz said Wells’ knee “was locking up”. That suggests something was floating in there making it lock up. But surgery not needed.

kentsomers Kent Somers
For what it’s worth, Wells’ said injury is not related to surgery on the same knee a year ago.

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

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by JoeCB1991 on Oct 24, 2011 2:34 PM MDT reply actions

All of these reports seem almost conflicting.

Yesterday, Whiz thought that it could possibly be a season ender. Reports of Beanie’s knee “catching” and the knee “is badly swollen.” However, there is no surgery needed and he might be back in 1-2 weeks.

Everything here points to a meniscal injury. The catching and swelling are the 2 biggest symptoms of a meniscus tear. The only reason that I can think of that the team’s prognosis changed from “possibly season-ending” to “maybe 1-2 weeks with no surgery,” would be that he did sustain the aforementioned meniscus injury. If the injury was mild enough, the treatment will be geared towards getting all of the swelling out the the knee. Hopefully that process doesn’t reveal more serious damage. Stay tuned..

Faith Focus Finish

by b0rd3rline on Oct 24, 2011 3:50 PM MDT up reply actions

All we know right now is that there is a lot of swelling

I want to hear what the real issue is, but I hope it isn’t as bad as what happened last year.

Beanie has a lot of talent, but he needs to stay healthy. Sharing carries with Ryan Williams next year should help him from getting broken down.

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Oct 24, 2011 4:04 PM MDT up reply actions

The upside

Smith and Taylor need the work if progress is to be achieved. Beanie spends most of the game on the sideline anyway.

by AZ retiree on Oct 24, 2011 3:17 PM MDT reply actions

Wolfley got it right

Wells may be the most talented change of pace back in the league.

Formerly known as Cardsfan928, If you wanna grab a quick game of madden, my screenname is also my Xbox name.

by INSOMAN1ATIC on Oct 24, 2011 6:41 PM MDT reply actions

Beanie

Might be one of the most talented backs in the NFL! Id put him against AP if he could stay healthy…. Purely from what he showed so far this season I’m judging this

by cgcardzfan on Oct 25, 2011 3:50 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions

Hope he gets back healthy ASAP

by CanadianCard on Oct 24, 2011 7:12 PM MDT reply actions

aaaand

Whiz is an idiot for trying to back up our injury prone 1back with an injury-prone draft pick. Hell, the new guy’s even more fragile than Beanie!

And this from a Buckeyes fan :/

"There is a force that makes us all brothers, no one goes his way alone." --Woody Hayes

by MediBuck on Oct 24, 2011 10:46 PM MDT reply actions

ya that whiz is an idiot...

by forget on Oct 24, 2011 11:41 PM MDT up reply actions

I hope some of you watched the replay of Hightower's torn ACL

And remembered my post about Toler’s preseason injury. If not, go find it, read it, then watch that replay again.

Faith Focus Finish

by b0rd3rline on Oct 24, 2011 11:00 PM MDT reply actions

I saw it

Arizona Cardinals/Chicago Bears fan
Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Rattlers fan
[I have always lived in Arizona, dad is from Chicago].

Leading the NFL in swagtangibles

by JoeCB1991 on Oct 25, 2011 10:03 AM MDT up reply actions