Post by Guvmintcheeze on Sept 11, 2015 15:12:59 GMT
Injection helps Falcons Jake Matthews get back on track
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
Atlanta Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews wasn't exactly sure when he strained his back. All he knows is he felt pain, particularly after the third preseason game at Miami.
"That's when it got to the point where it was really bothering me," said Matthews, who played 17 snaps against the dominant Dolphins defensive line.
The back flare up caused Matthews to miss some practice time and be excused from the final presesason game against the Baltimore Ravens altogether.
Now, Matthews feels a lot better after getting an injection. He didn't know all the specific details behind the treatment, just that it allowed him to return to practice this week in preparation for Monday night's opener the against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The typical procedure in a case of lower back pain is an epidural steroid injection, which usually takes seven to 10 days to take effect.
"I feel good," Matthews said. "It was just one of those things. A lot of guys have had this. It's not a real uncommon thing. The trainers have done a really good job. I feel real confident getting out there.
"I did the injection. They recommended it for me. I'm not going to pretend that I know what I'm doing when it comes to taking care of my body. But it's helped. It's helped a lot. I just had one. It's gotten better every day."
Matthews feels confident about being able to face the Eagles, although he was limited during Thursday's practice. The Falcons certainly need their anchor on the field, particularly with two brand new starters next to him in left guard Andy Levitre and center Mike Person. How Matthews moves laterally in the new outside zone blocking scheme coming off the injury will be worth monitoring.
Health has been the only factor holding back Matthews so far to start his career. He struggled through a high ankle sprain last season before tearing the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot, requiring surgery. Matthews was limited during the offseason and finally started to find his footing during training camp with no concerns about his plant foot.
Then the back strain surfaced. Matthews was asked if the injury might affect his play.
"Really on the field, not much," he said. "It's just staying on top of it in the training room and stuff. ... A ton of guys have played a whole year on it and have been able to get through it. I feel really good about it."
Matthews and the line have quite a challenge ahead Monday night against a formidable Eagles' front seven running out of a 3-4 defensive alignment. If Matthews is well enough to play, he'll have to contend with pass-rushers Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin, who combined for 20 sacks last season.
"Those guys are back and forth (on the right side), but a little bit more of Graham," Matthews said. "He's explosive. He mixes it up really well. He does a good job of mixing speed and power. Can't fall asleep on him because he'll take advantage of it. He's a good player. It's going to be a good matchup for me. But I feel confident, feel excited about it."
Vaughn McClure, ESPN Staff Writer
Atlanta Falcons left tackle Jake Matthews wasn't exactly sure when he strained his back. All he knows is he felt pain, particularly after the third preseason game at Miami.
"That's when it got to the point where it was really bothering me," said Matthews, who played 17 snaps against the dominant Dolphins defensive line.
The back flare up caused Matthews to miss some practice time and be excused from the final presesason game against the Baltimore Ravens altogether.
Now, Matthews feels a lot better after getting an injection. He didn't know all the specific details behind the treatment, just that it allowed him to return to practice this week in preparation for Monday night's opener the against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The typical procedure in a case of lower back pain is an epidural steroid injection, which usually takes seven to 10 days to take effect.
"I feel good," Matthews said. "It was just one of those things. A lot of guys have had this. It's not a real uncommon thing. The trainers have done a really good job. I feel real confident getting out there.
"I did the injection. They recommended it for me. I'm not going to pretend that I know what I'm doing when it comes to taking care of my body. But it's helped. It's helped a lot. I just had one. It's gotten better every day."
Matthews feels confident about being able to face the Eagles, although he was limited during Thursday's practice. The Falcons certainly need their anchor on the field, particularly with two brand new starters next to him in left guard Andy Levitre and center Mike Person. How Matthews moves laterally in the new outside zone blocking scheme coming off the injury will be worth monitoring.
Health has been the only factor holding back Matthews so far to start his career. He struggled through a high ankle sprain last season before tearing the Lisfranc ligament in his left foot, requiring surgery. Matthews was limited during the offseason and finally started to find his footing during training camp with no concerns about his plant foot.
Then the back strain surfaced. Matthews was asked if the injury might affect his play.
"Really on the field, not much," he said. "It's just staying on top of it in the training room and stuff. ... A ton of guys have played a whole year on it and have been able to get through it. I feel really good about it."
Matthews and the line have quite a challenge ahead Monday night against a formidable Eagles' front seven running out of a 3-4 defensive alignment. If Matthews is well enough to play, he'll have to contend with pass-rushers Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin, who combined for 20 sacks last season.
"Those guys are back and forth (on the right side), but a little bit more of Graham," Matthews said. "He's explosive. He mixes it up really well. He does a good job of mixing speed and power. Can't fall asleep on him because he'll take advantage of it. He's a good player. It's going to be a good matchup for me. But I feel confident, feel excited about it."