NFL Injuries Through an Orthopedic Lens

The NFL season is only a few weeks in, and already several players have suffered injuries that highlight the physical demands of professional football. At Summit Orthopedics, we see many of the same conditions in our active patients. Here’s an orthopedic look at what these injuries mean, how they’re treated, and what we can all learn about protecting our joints and muscles.

Recent NFL Injuries & Orthopedic Takeaways

• CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys) — High-Ankle Sprain
  Orthopedic perspective: Injury to the syndesmotic ligaments between the tibia and fibula. Healing often takes 4–8 weeks with careful rehabilitation to restore stability and proprioception.

• Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) — Hamstring Strain
  Orthopedic perspective: Soft-tissue tear from explosive motion. Recovery usually 2–6 weeks, but reinjury risk is high unless full strength, flexibility, and neuromuscular control are restored.

• Terry McLaurin (WR, Washington Commanders) — Quadriceps Strain
  Orthopedic perspective: Quad muscle overload or stretch. Managed with rest, gradual loading, and strength training. 2–6 weeks is typical.

• Nick Bosa (DE, San Francisco 49ers) — ACL Tear
  Orthopedic perspective: A major knee ligament injury. Requires surgical reconstruction and prolonged rehab. Return timeline: 9–12+ months.

• Mac Jones (QB, San Francisco 49ers) — PCL Sprain
  Orthopedic perspective: Posterior cruciate ligament involvement, often treated non-surgically if isolated. Rehab focuses on quadriceps strength and joint stability. 6–12 weeks is a common range.

• Dawand Jones (OT, Cleveland Browns) — Multi-Ligament Knee Injury
  Orthopedic perspective: Likely multiple structures damaged. Requires comprehensive surgical and rehabilitative intervention. Full recovery usually 9–12+ months.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, New York Giants) — Shoulder Dislocation
  Orthopedic perspective: Often involves damage to the labrum, capsule, or supporting structures. Rehab is critical; many athletes need surgical repair if instability persists. 6–12+ weeks depending on severity.

• Austin Ekeler (RB, Washington Commanders) — Achilles Tendon Rupture
  The MRI confirmed a full Achilles tear, ending his 2025 season.
  Orthopedic perspective: Achilles ruptures demand surgical or advanced repair techniques, followed by a structured rehabilitation protocol. Recovery commonly spans 9–12+ months, focusing on tendon healing, calf strength, ankle mechanics, and gradual return to loading.

• Lucas Niang (OT, Washington Commanders) — ACL Tear
  Niang tore his ACL during preseason. 
  Orthopedic perspective: As with other ACL injuries, surgical reconstruction and methodical rehab are the norm. Return-to-play usually falls in the 9–12+ month window, depending on graft choice, associated injuries, and rehabilitation quality.

Key Orthopedic Insights

1. Mechanism guides diagnosis & treatment
   Forces such as torsion, hyperextension, or sudden deceleration help pinpoint injury patterns and guide imaging or surgical decisions.

2. Rehab must be phased and precise
   All injuries benefit from a stepwise progression: protected motion → strengthening → neuromuscular control → sport-specific drills.

3. Return-to-play is performance-based, not time-based
   Criteria like strength symmetry (often ≥ 90–95 %), functional tests, and confidence should dictate return—not just an arbitrary date.

4. Prevention strategies are universal
   Athletes and active individuals alike should use dynamic warm-ups, eccentric training, balance work, and proper recovery to lower injury risk.