Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey has battled hip injuries for the past few years, and at least one of those hips may not belong to the star offensive lineman for much longer.
Pouncey said after Sunday’s game that the hip that forced him to miss all but five games in 2016 feels “great.” He also revealed that doctors have told him he will likely need hip replacement surgery within the next five to 10 years.
“We’ll see. I can’t predict the future. I’m listening to a doctor tell me,” Pouncey said, via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald. “I feel right now, I don’t need one. But we’ll see.”
Pouncey admitted he doesn’t have a “normal” hip and said it always feels tight, but it is obviously something he has learned to manage. The alarming thing about the potential of him needing hip surgery within the next five years is that the former first-round pick is just 28, so he could be forced to retire early. As long as he sticks to the same regimen, which includes taking Thursdays off from practice, Pouncey is confident that won’t be the case.
“I know it’s the best thing for my hip, not only this year, but for my whole career,” he added. “I’m going to be smart about it, because they’ve got a great plan in place.”
Last year, Pouncey had to be shut down for the season in December and admitted he came back too soon. His nagging injury is yet another reminder of the grind playing football can take on one’s body, especially an offensive lineman.
