Osi Umenyiora's ankle could sideline him a month

It's football season and that means a lot of sprained ankles.  Not because they are necessary, but because pro athletes rarely have strong, flexible ankles.  They have incurred so many ankle injuries over their careers that when they get to the pro level, it is just a regular occurrence.

But, what most people do not understand is that the ankle weakness actually inhibits their performance tremendously.  Not to mention the downtime and loss revenue from being injured.  Remember, strong ankles mean a stronger, healthier athlete and one at a lower risk of injury.

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter of Monday night's 49-24 loss at New Orleans and did not return.


Giants coach Tom Coughlin said he did not know the extent of Umenyiora's ankle injury immediately after the game.


Team officials declined to specify which ankle. Giants officials initially said Umemyiora was probable to return, but early in the second half he was listed as out for the remainder of the game.


Linebacker Mark Herzlich also suffered a sprained ankle, but said X-rays taken came back negative. However, he did not return to the game because there was pain in the ankle and it was sore.