What is a Jones fracture? Jones fracture healing time, explained

A Jones fracture is a broken pinky toe, or the fifth metatarsal in medical terms. Jones fracture healing time can take between 6-10 weeks to return to physical activity.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry is believed to have suffered a Jones fracture that could sideline him for the rest of the season.

NFL fans know who the two-time reigning rushing champion is, but they may now know what a Jones fracture is and how damaging that type of injury can be.

As far as foot fractures are concerned, it’s the one you’d prefer to have vs. a lisfranc injury which has far more damaging and long-lasting effects.

What is a Jones fracture?

According to UPMC Sports Medicine, a Jones fracture is a broken pinky toe.

"A Jones fracture is a fracture of the bone on the pinky toe side of your foot, the fifth metatarsal bone.This fracture can happen when you increase your training, increase pressure on your feet from gaining weight, or run on uneven surfaces. You can also fracture this bone during lateral (side-to-side) movements or while dancing en pointe, as in ballet.A Jones fracture often happens near the end of the bone and usually disrupts blood flow. Because the bone gets less blood, your healing time goes up."

In the case of Henry, he’s awaiting the results of an MRI to determine the extent of his injury and the time he’ll be off the field for the Titans.

Henry is expected to miss 8-10 weeks but could return for the playoffs if the Titans qualify. Of course, it will be that much harder without their MVP, but if they make it, he should be able to play.