Embed from Getty Images
The Washington Redskins rookie running back Derrius Guice developed an infection after having surgery on his torn ACL, significantly delaying his recovery, according to Kareem Copeland of the Washington Post.
The infection lasted two months and required three additional procedures to address the infected tissue. Guice was forced to stay away from the team while he was treated for the infection in Gulf Breeze, Fla., where his surgeon the famed James Andrews has his practice. Guice received antibiotics for seven weeks through a catheter in his arm while getting IVs three times a day for three hours.
“It really sucks, man,â Guice told Copeland. âEverywhere you go, you either have people asking how your knee is, how your rehab is going .â.â. or asking why youâre in Louisiana. âWhy are you not with your team?â”
Guice suffered his torn ACL in the Redskins’ first preseason game against the New England Patriots. He broke a big run and was brought down with what appeared to be a routine tackle. Unfortunately, the run was called back due to a holding penalty and Guice injured his knee in the process. An MRI the next morning revealed the extent of the injury, effectively ending what was set to be a promising rookie season for the former LSU product.
News of Guice’s rehab struggles is the latest disheartening news for the Redskins who have been decimated by injuries. Guice was the first of a chain of injuries for the Redskins that has overshadowed their season. Currently 17 players are on the injured reserve, including quarterback Alex Smith who suffered a compound fracture breaking his fibula and tibia in a Week 11 game against the Houston Texans. Smith also developed a post-op infection that has required him to undergo a reported “close to half a dozen” additional procedures to combat the infection.
There is no timetable for Guice’s return, but he assured Copeland that the infection has been cleared. He hopes to be ready for OTAs next summer.
The Redskins drafted Guice 59th overall in the second round in April’s NFL Draft. The selection was viewed as a steal in the draft. He slid out of the first round due a speculation of character issues despite being evaluated as arguably best prospect at running back outside of Saquon Barkley.
In the wake of Guice’s injury, the Redskins signed 33-year old Adrian Peterson. Playing in the role that was expected of Guice, Peterson leads the Redskins with 872 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games. Guice said he has stood out of the way of Peterson and his teammates as they focus more on the season for the most part, but he hopes to pick his brain more this offseason when they are expected to work out together.
