With recents news of Philadelphia 76ers rookie Ben Simmons‘ fracture of the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot — experts estimate he could miss up to eight weeks with the injury.
The injury falls into a “Zone 2” fracture of the bone, which is considered a Jones fracture – the same injury that plagued Kevin Durant a few seasons ago.
The 76ers statement read: “Further medical evaluation and treatment options are being considered at this time and additional updates will be provided when appropriate.” This means the team could consider surgery if deemed necessary.
The 6-foot-10 forward landed on Shawn Long‘s foot. He heard something pop and his foot started to swell afterward and the team thought he had just rolled his ankle.
Jones fractures are often mistaken for an ankle sprain and an avulsion or a Zone 1 fracture, which also takes six-to-eight weeks to heal.
In case of a non-major Jones fracture, the injury would be normally treated with a walking boot, a cast, or a splint for six-to-eight weeks. Simmons' rehabilitation program could take an additional two to three weeks, meaning his return date could be pushed back between late November or early December, if no setbacks occur.
The eight-week estimate is likely an optimistic one, as these types of fractures often present problems if they fail to heal cleanly or completely.
Ben Simmons' absence, for as long as it may be, will be a devastating one as he is the centerpiece of a young core the Sixers have put in place over the last few years of being in the cellar of the Eastern Conference.
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