Typically, postoperative recovery from a stress fracture falls within a range of three to six months. If healing goes well and Brady suffers no setbacks, he should be ready for training camp in July.
In cases where stress frac tures require the insertion of a screw, patients may be non-weight-bearing and in a cast for up to six weeks. Generally, rigorous athletic activity, including running, starts after three months. Brady’s recovery should follow this timetable.
Despite playing with the injury throughout the season, Brady earned his sixth Pro Bowl selection and is the leading contender for league MVP.
Brady missed several practices to rest his foot but played in every game, right up through Sunday’s 28-21 loss to the New York Jets in the playoffs.
Brady amassed staggering numbers: 36 touchdown passes, 3,900 passing yards, and a career-low four interceptions. He completed 324 of 492 passes (65.9 percent) and led the Patriots to a 14-2 record.
News of the injury first surfaced before the Patriots faced the Pittsburgh Steelers Nov. 14. Brady completed 30 of 43 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns against Pittsburgh in a 39-26 victory.
In the weeks following that win, he remained on the injury report, always listed as probable with foot and right shoulder ailments.
Shira Springer can be reached at springer@globe.com.
