New York Jets fans will have to wait an extra day for the start of their NFL season, as the team opens at San Francisco on “Monday Night Football.”
The extra day shouldn’t be an issue. Many Jets fans have been waiting a year for this game — or, since their franchise quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon just a few snaps into the opener last year and was lost for the season.
Can Rodgers, who turns 41 in December, come back healthy?
Dr. Rocco Bassora, orthopedic sports medicine physician at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, and Dr. Stephen Silver, chair of sports medicine and orthopedics at HUMC, weighed in on the idea.
To be clear, neither Bassora nor Silver treated Rodgers — although they certainly are familiar with Achilles injuries.
Here’s a quick Q&A on their thoughts.
ROI-NJ: Typically, an Achilles repair is done by using heavy stitches to sew the Achilles together side to side. For the average person, this means immobilizing the ankle in a cast. Rodgers had a speed bridge procedure, which was intended to expedite the recovery process. Discuss the difference.
Dr. Rocco Bassora: With a speed bridge procedure, instead of the side-to-side stitching, the repair is sutured into the heel, for a stronger repair. It doesn’t require a cast, and patients can begin bearing weight on it sooner, allowing patients to prevent losing their range of motion.
ROI: The average person can return to their normal activities within four to five months, but, for an elite athlete like Aaron Rodgers the timeline is longer. That may seem counterintuitive — until you consider Rodgers will need his Achilles to operate at a far higher level than an average person would. Explain the differences?
Dr. Stephen Silver: The level of game for Aaron Rodgers or an elite athlete like him puts greater pressure on the tendon than the average weekend warrior. For someone to come back at the caliber of an NFL player takes nine to 12 months for the muscles to regain their strength.
ROI: Experts say that, while age can play a role in these types of injuries, Achilles tendon tears are common in athletes of all ages and abilities. People typically make a full recovery. How big of an issue do you think Rodgers’ age will be?
SS: Aaron Rodgers is not the typical 40-year-old. His regime, strength and conditioning prepare him to play with the best on the football field, despite last season’s injury.
ROI: Here’s the question that’s on everyone’s mind. Is Rodgers more likely than others to suffer the injury again, now that he’s had it once?
SS: This is particularly great news for the Jets! The Achilles tendon is 100% healed. Rodgers is no more likely to have this injury again this season compared to every other quarterback. In fact, statistically, I’d be worried about any other different new injury over a repeat Achilles re-tear.
ROI: And, finally, the only question Jets fans really want to know: Will Rodgers lead the team to the Super Bowl?
SS: With a healthy Rodgers, an improved offensive line and weapons as receivers, the Jets are surely going to the Super Bowl.
