Aaron Rodgers’s Injury: Achilles Tendon Experts Answer Key Questions

When it comes to being a professional athlete, injuries are inevitable. So discussions were sparked around the nation when Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets tore his Achilles tendon only four plays into the season on Monday Night Football. Some blamed the injury on artificial turf, while for others, Kevin Durant’s 2019 NBA Finals injury came to mind, where he sat out of several games after a calf strain. So what was it, the turf or a bodily weakness?

Aaron Rodgers Tore His Achilles

The questions about Aaron Rodgers and his injury are mounting. Was it turf-related? Did his calf strain make him vulnerable? Was it a fluke, or could it have been prevented? Can Achilles’s tears be predicted? A torn Achilles is often considered one of the most feared injuries in sports due to its lengthy and grueling rehabilitation process, with no guarantee of a full recovery. While there are more common injuries, Achilles tears are often career-ending.

Experts in Achilles tendon injuries offer some insights. Connecting Rodgers’ injury to his previous calf issues may seem logical, but it’s not supported by the facts or science. Dr. Nigel Hsu notes that while calf injuries can contribute to Achilles ruptures, Rodgers’s injury seems unrelated to his calf strain.

Achilles Ruptures Are Slow to Heal

When it comes to MetLife Stadium’s turf, it may cause injuries, but it’s unlikely to have caused Rodgers’s Achilles injury; at least, that’s what Dr. Hsu says, so discussion shifts to facts and considerations like that Achilles tendon tears are more common in late-30s to early-40s male recreational athletes, a category that doesn’t quite fit Rodgers. However, as athletes age, their tendons weaken, making them more susceptible to such injuries.

Sudden bursts of activity, common in recreational athletes or those returning from injury, can also increase the risk. The narrative of athletes returning from injury and then suffering Achilles tears is not uncommon. Dr. David Geier suggests that prior injuries and periods of inactivity might play a role in Achilles injuries.

Preventing Achilles Injuries

Preventing Achilles injuries in elite athletes could have significant financial and performance benefits for teams and players. Implementing individualized training regimens focused on flexibility and strength could be a proactive approach to reduce the risk.

While this may not be all the answers, Aaron Rodgers’ injury highlights the need to explore ways to minimize the risk of Achilles tears in professional athletes. It’s a discussion worth having, as even a small reduction in injury risk could have substantial benefits for athletes and teams.