University Orthopedics’ Dr. Brett Owens recently joined 12 Sports’ Sam Knox to provide a clinical perspective on the recovery process for two high-profile athletes: New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony.
Christian Gonzalez – Hamstring Injury
Gonzalez sustained a hamstring injury early in training camp. According to Dr. Owens, hamstring strains can present significant challenges for athletes given the muscle’s critical role in sprinting, acceleration, and directional changes.
“Hamstring injuries require careful management due to the high risk of recurrence,” explained Dr. Owens. “Full recovery is not only about restoring muscle strength, but also ensuring dynamic stability and confidence in athletic movement.”
While Gonzalez has made progress in rehabilitation, Dr. Owens noted that the timeline suggests he is unlikely to be available for the Patriots’ upcoming game against the Raiders.
Roman Anthony – Oblique Strain
Anthony, a promising outfielder for the Red Sox, is recovering from a left oblique strain. Dr. Owens emphasized that oblique injuries are common in baseball due to the rotational forces involved in hitting and throwing.
“An oblique strain can significantly impact a player’s swing mechanics and overall performance,” said Dr. Owens. “Allowing adequate time for the muscle fibers to heal is critical to prevent setbacks and ensure a safe return to play.”
Anthony is expected to be sidelined for 4–6 weeks, with rehabilitation focused on controlled core strengthening and gradual reintroduction of sport-specific movements.
Dr. Owens thinks Anthony could be back in action for the playoffs.
About Dr. Owens
Brett D. Owens, MD, is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon, specializing in arthroscopic repair of sports-related injuries as well as complex knee and shoulder reconstructions.
Dr. Owens serves as Director of the Rhode Island Cartilage Repair Center, the Director of Sports Medicine at Miriam Hospital, and Director of Sports Medicine Research at Brown. He is currently Team Physician for Brown University and the Providence Bruins. He is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Brown University, Alpert School of Medicine. He also serves as Associate Editor for the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
A Rhode Island native, he was recruited to University Orthopedics after serving as the Chief of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Keller Army Hospital at West Point, NY, where he cared for soldiers and cadets at the United States Military Academy and was Team Physician for the Army lacrosse, rugby, and football teams. While deployed in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, LTC Owens served as Chief of Orthopedics at the 86th Combat Support Hospital.