With a return to the NFL delayed until 2024, Buccaneers starting center Ryan Jensen will continue to explore options in his recovery from multiple knee ligament tears in 2022. And, according to a new report, the offensive lineman has already experienced unique methods in lieu of surgery.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Jensen, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve Saturday, opted to forego reconstructive surgery to repair the three torn ligaments, choosing instead to receive a series of stem cell treatments.
Interestingly, per Stroud, Jensen’s treatments were cultivated from the donated umbilical cords of babies born by cesarean section in Antigua. The unorthodox method not only aided in Jensen’s recovery but allowed him to, miraculously, return for Tampa’s wild-card round loss last postseason.
Despite the apparent setback, Jensen addressed his recovery shortly after the news of his IR placement, telling reporters he was “feeling good” at the start of 2023 camp but decided not to practice after experiencing discomfort.
“I don’t think there was ever a setback,” Jensen said, per Stroud. “It was feeling good coming to camp … just through our plan we had going one day on and one day off, it was feeling pretty good the first couple days and then it started to get a little bit sore and painful in the lateral compartment.”
While it remains to be seen when he’ll return, Jensen also acknowledged that, with the advances in modern medicine, he’ll stay steadfast until the time is right.
Bucs C Ryan Jensen said it was “heartbreaking” having to go on IR due to his knee injury. pic.twitter.com/iMSha9jV1Q
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 27, 2023
