Torn ACL Ends Dusty Dvoracek’s Season
September 4, 2009 by Fred Farachi
Filed under Health and Fitness
The Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure reported this last night: “Bears nose tackle Dusty Dvoracek is scheduled to undergo an MRI Sunday to determine the severity of a right knee injury, Dvoracek left the field early during the Bears’ 17-3 exhibition win over the Giants Saturday night. He exited the locker room after the game with ice wrapped around the knee. Hours later, he said he would be “fine.”
This morning Chicago Sun-Times writer Brad Biggs reported this: “Based on his past, it cannot come as a surprise to the Bears that Dusty Dvoracek will miss the 2009 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee Saturday night against the New York Giants.”
My take on the Dusty’s situation: He is a hard working player, who has been hit hard with injuries. He hasn’t finished a season yet for the Bears. He missed his rookie season in 2006, after he had foot surgery.
In 2007, he played just one game before being sidelined for the entire season due to a torn ACL in the same knee. Then in 2008, he played three quarters of the season and was a valuable contributor to the team, but missed the rest of the year after tearing his bicep.
This might be the end of Dvoracek’s career here. There’s no doubt that he’s talented, but there will be considerable doubt as to how well he can bounce back from an injury like this. Not to mention the injury risk that he’s clearly established himself as now.
Dusty’s contract ends after the season. It doesn’t seem like there’s much reason for the Bears to sign him onto another contract and I’m not sure another team will want to take a chance on him.
This could turn into another Mike Brown situation. It’s a shame this happens to such a good player, who always gives a 100% effort.
The Bears will do their best to fill the void left by Dvoracek. Marcus Harrison and Anthony Adams will do their best in a time share, and Matt Toeanina will step into a starting role as well.
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