2 min read • March 24, 2022
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Former LSU linebacker Damone Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery Thursday to remedy a herniated disk, clouding his draft status.
The key for Clark and his career outlook is where the surgery took place along his spine.
Fortunately for Clark, the fusion reportedly took place in his neck rather than his lower back, said Dr. David Chao, ProFootballDoc.
"This is one case where neck surgery is better than lower back surgery," Chao said. "If the fusion were needed in the lower back for Clark, his NFL career would likely be in jeopardy."
The single level fusion in Clark's neck does limit his range of motion slightly, but he should be able to return with mild long-term risk, Chao said.
"In fact, I would expect to see him on the field for most, if not all, of this upcoming NFL season," Chao said.
NFL teams will surely inspect the 21-year-old's neck at the re-check combines, but the surgery shouldn't drop his draft stock much.
Before the surgery news, he was projected to go in the late second round or early third round. With Clark unable to participate in offseason programs he will likely be pushed back to the third round, but not beyond that.
Clark led the SEC in solo tackles and combined tackles last season with 5.5 sacks as well. Those stats also ranked him third in the nation for combined tackles and sixth in solo tackles.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound linebacker certainly has the talent to play at the next level and the spinal fusion surgery shouldn't hold him back much his rookie year.
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