NEW ORLEANS — Ahmad Bradshaw 11 days ago had a surgical procedure to his right foot he said he should have had following the 2011 season. As a result, he rolled into an autograph session at the NFL Experience yesterday with his right leg resting on a scooter, his right foot protected in a black boot.
“I just went through too much this year,’’ Bradshaw said.
Bradshaw said he had one screw removed from his right foot and another, longer one inserted. He has had two fractures in the same foot — the first occurred during the 2009 season, the second during the 2011 season — but only one was secured with a screw. After the 2011 season, he underwent stem-cell treatment on the other fracture but, six or seven weeks into the 2012 season, the positive effects of the treatment, he said, “wore off’’ and he had to endure the rest of the way in pain. He said the newly inserted screw secures both fractures.
“What I should have done instead of getting the stem cell last year was get the screw out and a new screw in,’’ Bradshaw said. “This was very well needed. The doctor said everything looked great after.He said it was something I should have gotten last yearCan’t look back at it like that.’’
Bradshaw said the time frame for his recovery is 10 weeks and he’s already weeks into the process.
The day after the Giants finished off a 9-7 non-playoff season Bradshaw said he would not need any surgery. His right foot is always an issue, though. He missed three games this past season and had to be pulled early in two others because of repeated problems with the foot. Still, he rushed for 1,015 yards.
Now for the big question: Is he coming back, hobbled foot notwithstanding? Bradshaw has two years remaining on his contract, scheduled to be paid $3.75 million in 2013 and $4 million in 2014. David Wilson, the 2012 first-round draft pick, endured a slow-starting rookie year but came on strong down the stretch, showing he could be considered a starting running back in his second season. Andre Brown, who was impressive until he broke his leg, is also expected to return. Bradshaw turns 27 on March 19 but has been running the ball and taking a beating for six seasons.
The day after the season ended, Bradshaw expressed some concern he might not be back.
“I can’t say I’m concerned because I just have the heart to play, to keep doing this,’’ Bradshaw said yesterday. “No matter what it is I’m going to play in the NFL, if I have that chance. With the Giants I can’t say it’s a concern. It’s always that chance of me not being there next year.”
“With David there, Andre there, they may have what they’re looking for with them and may be light on cash. I haven’t heard anything, they haven’t said anything, which is a good sign. I hope to be a Giant, no matter what. You just never know what’s going to happen, it’s all business.’’