Alexander Rossi sports hefty ankle cast

Alexander Rossi appeared on his “Off Track with Hinch and Rossi” podcast on May 19 with his right leg wrapped and elevated, a day after a crash in Indianapolis 500 practice sent him to a hospital for further evaluation. Ed Carpenter Racing and IndyCar said Rossi underwent outpatient procedures Monday evening, May 18, to treat injuries to his right ankle and a finger on his left hand. Rossi said on the podcast that the main issue was a “small bone on the inside” of his right ankle. His condition has become one of the main questions heading into race weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. ### What did Rossi say about the injury? Rossi said on May 19 that the wrap and elevated leg looked more dramatic than the injury itself. “This all looks very dramatic, but you basically can’t be weight-bearing through this process while they try to control the swelling,” he said during the podcast appearance. The 2016 Indianapolis 500 winner said the ankle was the main concern after the crash. Rossi also said he expected the protective boot to come off as doctors monitored the swelling, according to reports from FOX59 and IndyStar carried by Yahoo Sports. ### How did the crash happen? IndyCar said Rossi crashed during practice on Monday, May 18, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reports from Frontstretch, ABC and USA Today said Rossi lost control in Turn 2, hit the outside wall and became part of a three-car incident that also involved Pato O’Ward and Romain Grosjean. Ed Carpenter Racing said Rossi was taken to a hospital after the accident. IndyCar later said he had undergone successful outpatient procedures and intended to return Friday, subject to medical clearance. ### Why is the ankle cast drawing attention? AOL and other outlets reported Rossi left the hospital wearing a substantial ankle cast, and photos from the podcast showed his leg heavily wrapped and elevated. Those images circulated as teams shifted from qualifying week to final race preparations. Rossi’s team said his recovery would be overseen by IndyCar Medical Director Dr. Julia Vaizer and the series medical staff. Ed Carpenter Racing also said Rossi planned to use a backup car in Friday practice, weather permitting. ### Is Rossi still expected to drive in the race? IndyCar said on May 18 that Rossi intended to return for Friday practice. FOX59 reported the same plan, citing Ed Carpenter Racing, and said Rossi remained on track to attempt both Carb Day practice and the race if cleared. Yahoo Sports, citing IndyStar, reported Rossi intended to drive in Sunday’s race despite the finger and ankle injuries. No replacement driver has been announced by Ed Carpenter Racing. ### What is next on the Indy 500 schedule? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar schedule list Friday as Carb Day, with final practice before the race. FOX Sports and local Indianapolis outlets have published the remaining race-week schedule, including Friday’s on-track session and Sunday’s 110th Indianapolis 500. The 110th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, according to IndyCar’s event page and published race-week schedules. Rossi’s next public test of his condition is expected to come in Friday practice, when IndyCar medical staff will continue evaluating his fitness to drive.