Timbers defender Zac McGraw undergoes successful back surgery

McGraw's timeline for return is approximately four months

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:07pm

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The Portland Timbers announced that defender Zac McGraw underwent a successful surgery on his lumbar spine. The procedure was performed by Dr. J Rafe Sales in Portland, Oregon. McGraw's timeline for return is approximately four months, during which he will conduct his rehabilitation with the Timbers' health and performance team and Providence sports medicine.

Why it matters

Zac McGraw is a key defender for the Portland Timbers, so his recovery from this back surgery will be crucial for the team's performance in the upcoming season. The Timbers will need to manage his rehabilitation carefully to ensure he can return to the field as soon as possible.

The details

McGraw underwent the successful surgery on his lumbar spine, which was performed by Dr. J Rafe Sales in Portland, Oregon. The Timbers expect McGraw's timeline for return to be approximately four months, during which he will work with the team's health and performance staff as well as Providence sports medicine to complete his rehabilitation.

  • McGraw underwent the successful surgery on February 6, 2026.

The players

Zac McGraw

A defender for the Portland Timbers.

Dr. J Rafe Sales

The surgeon who performed the successful surgery on McGraw's lumbar spine.

Portland Timbers

The professional soccer team that McGraw plays for.

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What’s next

McGraw will now focus on his rehabilitation with the Timbers' health and performance team and Providence sports medicine, with the goal of returning to the field in approximately four months.

The takeaway

This surgery is a setback for the Timbers, but the team is optimistic that McGraw will be able to make a full recovery and return to the field in a timely manner to contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.