Injury Update: Bradford Not Likely To Be 100% During 2012 Season

The St. Louis Rams’ 2011 season was filled with a number of disappointments, from Steve Spagnuolo’s failed trial run at head coach to the 2-14 record at the end of the year. It was also a historic year for in terms of players being placed on IR, and a number of others missing significant time due to injury. Most notably, Sam Bradford suffered a high ankle sprain (left foot) in the 24-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers, which has lingered throughout the offseason and frequented headlines throughout camp. Yesterday, CBS Insider, Jason La Confora reported that, depending on how Bradford holds up throughout the season, the ankle may be able to hold out without the need for surgery.

"“Obviously to me it’s very frustrating because I thought that by this point this year it would be a non-factor,” Bradford said. “But I think the greatest thing is it hasn’t caused me to miss any reps. They haven’t cut back anything. I’m able to get through everything in practice. We just have to figure out the best way to manage it during the year, and I’m sure it will be different once we start playing games.”"

Certainly, the strain on the ankle will increase through the rigor of the NFL season, but the questions remains whether or not it will result in Bradford being sidelined for any stretch through the season. Mike Golic, from ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning, was asked if he believes that Sam Bradford will play all 16 games throughout the season during their “Two-A-Days” segment on the Rams. Golic responded with, “I don’t think he will, I don’t think he will make 16, and I think that could hurt the team.”

There are a lot of factors that will play into whether Bradford can stay on the field. Will the offensive line be able to keep Sam upright? How will the coaching staff manage him through the week leading up to the game? How heavily will OC Marty Schottenheimer rely on the passing game? We will have to see how the season pans out and continue to keep an eye on the most talked about ankle on the Rams’ roster.