In response to your PM:
For Barwin's injury, surgical pins and screws are typically needed to reconstruct the joint. Someimes a plate is used for the fibula fracture. Usually, the pins and screws are taken out after 8 to 12 weeks, but in extreme cases might be left in permanently. Recovery from surgery typically takes approximately 4 1/2 to 6 months. That's when coming into football shape begins. A lot of this depends on Barwin's break being the classic clean single distal fibula break The ligament damage repair will then become the most important deficit to overcome. Ankle re-injury is a real concern with ligaments that are not maximally stabilized. Strengthening of the calf muscles becomes very important. Furthermore, Barwin will have to concentrate a great deal of time to re-establishing balance and proprioception in order to minimize risk of reinjury. Proprioception refers to the brain knowing in what position and where in space the ankle is at all times. This is so important because with severe ligament tears. the foot tends to lose it ability to feedback its true position in space. If the foot is turned out, it may be incorrectly translated by the brain as being turned in. You may yourself have experienced this when your foot falls asleep, and you find yourself stumbling around until it awakens.
The bottom line, if the facts are as we know it and no more, Barwin with his typical motivation, should be able to regain preinjury motion (including lateral), and strength and regain preinjury or almost preinjury performance by next season. He will need to pay particular attention to his footwear, as well as religious ankle strength and proprioception exercises, as he will have some life-long increased risk to ankle injury as compared to a player who has never sustained such an injury.
One last comment. If we have not been aware of additional complicating factors of the injury (such as multiple or spiral fractures or large surface joint damage to the tibia/talus interface, shredded ligaments......then Barwin may not reach his maximum healing/performance until the 2 year mark........and return to preinjury performance level is less predictable. Ultimately, Barwin's recovery will be linked to his unique injury.
Edit: You may wish to review may post on Tate to refamiliarize yourself with he anatomy of the area in question.
http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74278&highlight=tate+injury&page=3