From a physical performance standpoint, tape grinders gush at Saquon Barkley’s elusive footwork and unmatched ability to stop on a dime and spin away from defenders. Although this is what makes him great, dare I say generational, it’s also what bolsters the argument for potential re-injury. Every time he plants and spins, he’s forcibly cork-screwing his lower leg down into the turf, which is half of the recipe for a high ankle sprain.
The dagger in the heart when it comes to Evan Engram’s on-field performance and longevity is this most recent Lisfranc injury for which he had surgery. Preliminary data shows that despite an 83-percent return to play rate, Lisfranc injuries reduce offensive players’ on-field performance. Even if he doesn’t miss another one to two games with a concussion or another three to four games with yet another MCL sprain, there’s a chance he simply won’t return to full form when he’s on the field.