Ron Bartell Injury: Is It Career-Threatening? [UPDATED]

by Ryan Van Bibber on Sep 13, 2011 1:10 PM CDT in 2011 NFL regular season

EARTH CITY MO - JULY 31: Ron Bartell #24 of the St. Louis Rams looks on during training camp at the Russell Athletic Training Facility on July 31 2010 in Earth City Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

St. Louis Rams cornerback Ron Bartell thought he had a stinger. It was more than that, and suffice it to say that Bartell is fortunate to be moving after injuring his neck against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. A closer look at Bartell's stinger revealed a fracture in Bartell's neck. The injury probably heralds the end of Bartell's season, and it might mean the end of his career.

Tony Softli from 101 ESPN broached the career-threatening possibility on the web today. Precedent suggests he might be right.

You really cannot overstate the serious of an injury like Bartell's. In September 2006, Bengals LB David Pollack fractured a vertebrae in his neck. It ended his season, and he aborted his comeback bid in the spring of 2008. Texans DT Cedric Killings suffered a similar injury in 2007, fracturing a vertebrae in his neck in September of that season (something about September and fractured necks). A fractured vertebrae ended Rich Gannon's career in September of 2004.

Unlike Killings and Pollack, Bartell did not leave the field on a stretcher. The extent of Bartell's injury is still being determined, according to reports, but precedent suggests that the likelihood of his return this season or beyond is very much in doubt.

I can't tell you how much this hurts to think about as a fan. Bartell is one of the more underrated corners in the league, and a cornerstone of the Rams defense.

UPDATE: Bartell is officially done for 2011, according to Jim Thomas of the Post-Dispatch. The report also contains some more information on the severity of Bartell's injury. The C7 vertebrae in his lower neck has two fractures, but it is not displaced. He'll be in a neck brace for some time and spend most of the next year in rehab. He will not need surgery, and that's a very good thing. Players can come back from such an injury, so keep an eye on Bartell.

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Unlike the dislocated elbow and timeline that I've seen before a few times

I know nothing about this kind of injury. Paging Dr. Ali!

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on Sep 13, 2011 1:20 PM CDT reply actions

Just horrible

the Rams need to sign a CB though and there has been very little news on that front.

"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now. "
Bruce Coslet

by Brick Top on Sep 13, 2011 1:24 PM CDT reply actions

Ya its possible

Hurts to think about he’s one of the older players on the team and been with us a while. On the bright side he’s a cornerback it’s not like he’s playing in the trenches he could come back. I have a bad feeling that in order to trade for the corner we need we are going to use Steven as the trade bait. It’s smart but I just don’t want it to happen

by Hibachi40 on Sep 13, 2011 1:25 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I'll take a great corner over a great RB any day

"We can't run. We can't pass. We can't stop the run. We can't stop the pass. We can't kick. Other than that, we're just not a very good football team right now. "
Bruce Coslet

by Brick Top on Sep 13, 2011 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Ugh..

Steven Jackson is not going anywhere this season.

How much do you think a 28 year old runningback with the kind of abuse Jackson has received over the years is going to bid on the trade market? Not to mention he’s currently injured.

More value to us than any other team.

by Bralidore on Sep 13, 2011 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions

Quite a bit a team like Miami would consider a player like steven

by Hibachi40 on Sep 13, 2011 2:28 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

In fact

I’ll Make it easy on the front office Steven Jackson for Sean smith a 6’3 corner has got to he perfect for spags defense

by Hibachi40 on Sep 13, 2011 2:34 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Bartell was good

It’s pretty clear corner is a big need for this team. I’m hoping 3k can find some good ones in college!

"Doin' blow off a strippers nipple" -VanRam
Hit me up on Facebook and Twitter. You know you want to.

by Eric Nagel on Sep 13, 2011 1:29 PM CDT reply actions

Original Rams draft pick

I hate to hear about this. I doubt the fusion procedure could work for a guy as mobile as Bartell. An unfortunate byproduct of our CBs being so active in run support.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Sep 13, 2011 1:29 PM CDT reply actions

I guess corner is gonna need to be handled in the draft

So we need 2 WR’s and then a CB. Good thing Spags like Corners in the 3rd

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 1:35 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

I really think WR should be a top priority in the draft

Enough is enough with crappy receivers. The Rams, the fans, and Sam deserve better.

My thoughts...

1. Rams need legitimate receiver[s].

2. It annoys the hell out of me when I see Spags clapping after bad plays by the Rams.

More to come...

by Horcrux7 on Sep 13, 2011 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

That's why I want Blackmon and Broyles

And if we end up with a top ten pick (which we might with our schedule) and our obvious issue is receivers stinking, then they have to take the two best receivers in college football over the last two years

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 1:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

What rounds do you think they'll each go, respectively?

My thoughts...

1. Rams need legitimate receiver[s].

2. It annoys the hell out of me when I see Spags clapping after bad plays by the Rams.

More to come...

by Horcrux7 on Sep 13, 2011 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Blackmon top ten

He’ll get hurt by the combine cause he isn’t unbeleivably fast or anything. Broyles is a high second round pick cause he is smaller and not the fastest. But broyles is a combo Welker/Holmes, player in the slot (welker) with body contortion and play making ability (Holmes)

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 2:33 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Cornerback depth is THE most frightening thing..

on this team in my opinion as of now. Fans and the media are not going to excuse the Rams for losing their top cornerback to injury.

We have to and we must overcome this.

by Bralidore on Sep 13, 2011 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

Bartell out for season

crapcrapcrapcrap

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on Sep 13, 2011 1:50 PM CDT reply actions

At least his career isn't over! Be thankful of that.

The name's Rams, St. Louis Rams.

by Bond_007x on Sep 13, 2011 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions

I've hears that an effective pass rush can help alleviate concern in the defensive backfield.

Chris Long, I’m looking at you and your piso’s on the line.

I’m very glad Ron wasn’t injured more severely and that this was discovered before something more tragic happened.

"Fac Fortia et Patere"

by FailureDrill on Sep 13, 2011 2:17 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

DAMN!

Here’s to a good recovery for Ron, no matter how long it takes…
My disappointment is that he’s one of only a few guys who goes out there and plays hard and gets the job done every game – he was so underrated last season, but he comes through whenever he puts on that Rams jersey. You could see he was one of the leaders on the D – now we’re gonna be scrambling around for somebody to step up and do the job as well as he does, whether it’s someone we already have, or someone we pick up/trade for.
Just another priority on this team already – now’s the time for the FO and the coaches to show us why they’re being paid the big bucks…

by JoolzMF on Sep 13, 2011 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

Too bad Murphy's out,

could have really seen what he’s made of.

Don't forget to turn your swag on today.

by Swag11 on Sep 13, 2011 2:27 PM CDT reply actions

man! i really didnt want to hear this!

just ruined my day. my prayers go out to you bratell, wishing you a speedy recovery. so, on that note, has anybody heard anything about signing another cb? rams cant go into the season with just the 4 they have.

by Mark Jaramillo on Sep 13, 2011 2:29 PM CDT reply actions

Here's to all of us keeping Bartell in our prayers. Thank God it wasn't more serious

I’m assuming acquiring Hanson at this late date is out of the question? Has anyone been tracking what CBs of worth are available?

by Douglas M on Sep 13, 2011 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

GOOOOOOOZ FRAAAABAAAAAA

TurfShowTimes editor and you can Follow Me On Twitter and don't forget to check out our
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by VTramsFan on Sep 13, 2011 2:31 PM CDT reply actions

..... Goose blah blah.

Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.

by DuhhhRams! on Sep 13, 2011 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions

"No no.. GOOOOZ FRA-BAAAAAAAA"

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by VTramsFan on Sep 13, 2011 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Ron

As much as I loved u being out there on the island. Retire life over football. I bet if Payton was in ron’s shoes he would call it a career. Now can al Harris handle his spot for the year? Damn this is bad.

by Lenoirrams on Sep 13, 2011 2:34 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

TurfShowTimes editor and you can Follow Me On Twitter and don't forget to check out our
Rams Video Breakdowns

by VTramsFan on Sep 13, 2011 2:37 PM CDT reply actions

article question...

…is he done for 2011 & 2012? your article states “Bartell is officially done for 2012”

by westernmaramsfan on Sep 13, 2011 2:39 PM CDT reply actions

he meant 2011

out for this year. Good eye.

Turf Show Times editor, Mocking the Draft writer, and I gots that Twitter too, yo.
"my keyboard won't corporate, neighter will my smell check." - Knoxfan

by 3k on Sep 13, 2011 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

So what's next for the rams?

Is Al Harris officially starting next week? Are making any roster moves?

by addnon on Sep 13, 2011 2:41 PM CDT reply actions

harris is going to have to start. they have no choice now.

by Mark Jaramillo on Sep 13, 2011 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I just read on Nick Wagoner's chat

that Justin King is now the #2 CB >.<

Terrible news.

My thoughts...

1. Rams need legitimate receiver[s].

2. It annoys the hell out of me when I see Spags clapping after bad plays by the Rams.

More to come...

by Horcrux7 on Sep 13, 2011 2:49 PM CDT reply actions

Bartell Memory

I can’t remember the game it was last year, or who the running back was – but the opposing teams running back broke free and was headed to the end zone when the announcer said, “Oh, this guys got speed, no-one is going to catch him now” – and Bartell came in from the corner of the of the screen and tackled the guy right before the end zone. He made the running back look slow. Anyone remember what game that was???

by AlwaysARamsFan on Sep 13, 2011 2:51 PM CDT reply actions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUlet8CQbGI&feature=player_detailpage#t=129s

by dill0n on Sep 13, 2011 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions

i think

it was against Kansas, Jamaal Charles, that damn 4th quarter run

by daniell on Sep 13, 2011 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Best of Luck, Ron Bartell

Looking forward to you getting a full recovery and a happy pain-free life after your rehab.

by CoachConnors on Sep 13, 2011 3:00 PM CDT reply actions

Bartell

I’m so sad to hear about this news .. Ron I hope that you make a speedy recovery .. take care of that neck my friend and please listen to ur Doc .. if this is a career ending injury take care my friend we as fans will always respect your decision .. BEST OF LUCK!!

by bwramsfan on Sep 13, 2011 3:02 PM CDT reply actions

Why is everyone talking as if this is a letter to Ron?

Sorry, just wondering.

My thoughts...

1. Rams need legitimate receiver[s].

2. It annoys the hell out of me when I see Spags clapping after bad plays by the Rams.

More to come...

by Horcrux7 on Sep 13, 2011 3:22 PM CDT reply actions

or perhaps writing.

My thoughts...

1. Rams need legitimate receiver[s].

2. It annoys the hell out of me when I see Spags clapping after bad plays by the Rams.

More to come...

by Horcrux7 on Sep 13, 2011 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Man, that was the worst way to go out

I’ve always been for making injuries a way of the game. Penalizing teams for playing hard just never meshed with me. But this was a very sad injury. Bartell stepped up hard to fill the run lane against the full back, got good leverage on him, and boom he’s out for the year. The play was technically right (outside of his head position) and he got injured… maybe the game is getting to its limits as far as human potential. A very sad way to see a player go out for the season.

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.
-Mark Twain

by kinzav29 on Sep 13, 2011 5:48 PM CDT reply actions

The good here......

outweighs the bad. Any injury to the neck and back as his could not only be life altering (forcing him to retire) but be life ending (any future hits to that area). So, what is more important is that is isn’t serious and there’s no complications. Get well Ron, your presence will be missed for sure!

"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."

by Taosman on Sep 13, 2011 6:05 PM CDT reply actions

BTW, I'm not doctor

"The only thing better than watching the Rams win is watching the Rams win with my wife."

by Taosman on Sep 13, 2011 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

so does this put this in tthe hunt

for a rookie CB in the draft next year

by zachmann21 on Sep 13, 2011 6:18 PM CDT reply actions

We need a lot of things in next years draft

Including OLB, Safety, DT, WR and quite possibly a new RB to start getting ready to replace SJAX. Might as well add CB to that list.

Two things about me will never change. I will always root for the Rams, and I will always root against the Niners.

by DuhhhRams! on Sep 13, 2011 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions

We already were in need of a CB next year

This puts the need above WR.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Sep 13, 2011 6:49 PM CDT reply actions

No..... It really doesnt

Cause Fletcher still gives us one corner, we have no receiver. And a starter level corner is easier to get (and costs less) in free agency than receivers

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 7:23 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I guess you see it 1 way I see it another

CBs can’t easily be picked up in FA. Not nearly as easily as a, and I use this term very loosely, #1 WR.

Wolf. Wolfgang Wolf

by dbcouver on Sep 13, 2011 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Depends how you classify biggest need

I say since we have Fletcher, it can’t be a worse need than a position we have nothing at.

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 8:00 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Man Bartell one of my favorite Rams

I feel so bad for the guy. One of my friends broke his C2 a little more than four months ago. He got his halo off two weeks ago and is going to get the neck brace he’s been wearing off and then start his rehab. Seeing how well my friend has done with his injury leads me to believe Ron B will be fine.

Stay up Bartell!

"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense

by moy on Sep 13, 2011 7:05 PM CDT reply actions

I doubt your friend hits himself in two men who run 4.3's and way 30+ pounds more then him

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 13, 2011 7:24 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

You'd be surprised at the things he does

He was a sponsored skateboarder in the late 80’s early 90’s. We skated the shit out of everything. Ever meet concrete after flying through the air? It’s not forgiving.

"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense

by moy on Sep 13, 2011 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry then

I just had kinda assumed Bartell’s neck was probably taking more damage than your friend

by King Sam Rules! on Sep 14, 2011 5:38 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Oh, when Bartell gets better

He will be taking a more consistent punishment but you never know when someone’s gonna decides to take a dive, from the roof of a house, into a four foot deep above ground swimming pool (Me) or get in a wrestling match, in the street, with a full grown pitbull because it was going after a little dog (Him).

"SJAX" - The extra strength cleaner that fights off that Stubborn, Stingy Defense

by moy on Sep 14, 2011 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

All I can say

is that this is some of the worst news I’ve heard to do with the Rams in a LONG time.

People underestimate Bartell’s excellence purely because he can’t catch. That’s a shame.

He’s a vital leader on defense (organised off season workouts) and always shows up. He’s also so committed to the cause, always playing hurt and battling away at 150%. Dude is a stud.

Saying all this, I can only mourn the loss of him for the season, rejoice in the prospect of his return, however slim, and wish him the speediest recovery, the best future health, and assert that I trust in him to make the right decision for himself; be it walking away from my beloved Rams or not, he must do what is right and I support him 110% with anything.

Best of luck, best wishes and best speed.

http://brotherspork.wordpress.com/

by Infemous on Sep 14, 2011 4:22 AM CDT reply actions