NFL Rumors: Manti Te’o says foot injury affected entire rookie season
By Bryan Rose
While Manti Te’o had a solid rookie season for the San Diego Chargers, it was apparently only a shell of what we can expect from the talented linebacker moving forward.
Te’o, who suffered what was initially ruled a foot sprain during camp, missed the majority of preseason action and the first three regular season games with the injury, but the foot never truly healed and affected his play all year.
"“Any time somebody has something wrong with them, it’s going to affect them to a certain degree,” Te’o said, acknowledging the foot issue slowed him down. “For me, I did everything that I could do. I did everything I was asked to do, and everything to the best of my ability. And now we’ll see in season two how I do now."
The injury required an offseason surgery but Te’o says he’s feeling much better now and it’s clear the injury was far more significant than just a standard ‘sprain’ as diagnosed.
For what it’s worth, Te’o says he’s not longer affected so expect an improved 2014.