ACL Injuries in Football Players – Top 5 on the Way to Recovery

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most serious and common knee injuries in football. These injuries can drastically alter a player’s career, requiring months of recovery and rehabilitation.

In this article, we’ll explore the ACL injury journeys of five prominent national football league athletes and delve into the causes, symptoms, and knee treatment options available, highlighting why Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine Clinic (MOSM) is the premier destination for ACL injury care.

Top 5 NFL Players Recovering from ACL Injuries

ACL injuries are a significant challenge for NFL players, and their recovery journeys highlight the importance of injury prevention. When an injury occurs, the road to full recovery demands the best care and dedication. Here’s a look at five top NFL players currently overcoming ACL injuries.

Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants

Daniel Jones tore his right ACL in Week 9 of the 2023 season during a noncontact play, just after returning from a neck injury. Fortunately, it was an isolated ACL tear without additional structural damage. Following reconstructive surgery in late November, Jones made significant strides in his recovery, participating in spring practices by May. His goal of being ready for Week 1 seems attainable, given his clearance for practice at the start of training camp. However, with his recent injury history and mobile playing style, concerns about his durability will remain until he can demonstrate his ability to stay healthy throughout the season.

T.J. Hockenson, TE, Minnesota Vikings

T.J. Hockenson’s 2023 season took a turn for the worse during Week 16 when he tore his ACL and MCL in his right knee during a game against his former team. The injury required a waiting period for the MCL to heal before Hockenson could undergo ACL reconstructive surgery in late January. His recovery has been positive, but the Vikings are exercising caution, keeping him on the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the season approaches. Given that Hockenson is only seven months post-surgery, his return to the field will likely be gradual, especially considering his critical role in the team’s offense.

Mike Williams, WR, New York Jets

Mike Williams faced a major setback in Week 3 of the 2023 season when he tore his left ACL while playing for the Chargers. His surgery took place in late October, and by the time training camp opened with his new team, the Jets, he was nine months post-operation. Despite being placed on the PUP list, Williams is optimistic about starting the season. However, given his physical playing style and reliance on contested catches, particularly in the red zone, acclimating to game action will be crucial. Confidence in his knee will be a determining factor in his early involvement with the Jets.

 

Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

Nick Chubb’s left knee injury in 2023 was particularly devastating, as it occurred in the same knee he severely injured in college. During a game against the Steelers, Chubb tore his ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus, necessitating two surgeries—one in September for the MCL and meniscus, and another in November for the ACL. The Browns have been cautious with their expectations, hoping for Chubb’s return at some point in 2024. Given his knee’s history and the severity of the injury, his recovery is expected to be a slow and measured process.

Kendrick Bourne, WR, New England Patriots

Kendrick Bourne tore his ACL during Week 8 of the 2023 season. Despite the setback, the Patriots secured Bourne’s services with a three-year contract extension. With ample time to recover, Bourne is focused on regaining his explosiveness and dynamic cutting ability. While he may face challenges early in the season, his contributions could become significant in the latter half, especially as he regains confidence in his knee.

ACL Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries can be both sudden and severe, particularly in high-impact sports like football. Here’s a deeper look into what causes these injuries, how to identify them, and the various treatment options available.

Causes of ACL Injuries

The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee that helps stabilize the joint. It’s particularly vulnerable during activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings—common in football.

• Noncontact Injuries: These are the most common in football, where a player may suddenly pivot, change direction, or land from a jump in a way that stresses the knee, causing the ACL to tear. Daniel Jones’ injury, for instance, occurred during a noncontact maneuver.
• Contact Injuries: Though less common, ACL injuries can also occur from direct contact. A player might collide with another, forcing the knee into an unnatural position, leading to a tear. Nick Chubb’s injury was caused by a direct hit to his knee.
• Overextension or Hyperextension: Extending the knee beyond its normal range of motion can also cause the ACL to tear, particularly if the foot is planted and the body’s momentum continues forward.

Studies showed that ACL injuries occurred at least twice as frequently in women than in men. Still, ACL injury risk factors remain an occupational hazard in playing professional sports.

Symptoms of ACL Injuries

Recognizing an ACL injury is crucial for immediate care and effective treatment. Some common symptoms include:

• A Popping Sound or Sensation: Many athletes report hearing or feeling a “pop” in their knee at the moment of injury.
• Severe Pain: The pain from an ACL injury is typically immediate and intense, often preventing the player from continuing the game.
• Swelling: Rapid swelling occurs as the body reacts to the ligament tear. This swelling can set in within hours and may cause significant discomfort.
• Instability: An ACL injury often results in the knee feeling unstable or as if it’s “giving way,” particularly when trying to stand or walk.
• Reduced Range of Motion: The injury can cause stiffness in the knee, making it difficult to fully straighten or bend the joint.

Treatment Options for ACL Injuries

ACL injuries can vary in severity, and treatment approaches are tailored to each individual based on their needs and activity level. Here’s a comprehensive look at the treatment options available, with an emphasis on surgical interventions:

1) Conservative Management

• Rest and Rehabilitation: When surgery is indicated to manage an ACL injury, it is normally not performed on an urgent basis. It is advisable to allow the knee swelling and stiffness to resolve over four-to-six weeks before proceeding with surgery. The initial focus is on managing pain and swelling through rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Patients are often sent to physical therapy to optimize knee health and function with a “prehab” in preparation for surgery.
• Bracing: While generally not effective for high-level activities in most cases, lower-demand patients who wish to avoid surgery may find that wearing a brace provides them with sufficient knee stability to perform their desired activities. 

2) Surgical Treatment

• When is Surgery Needed? Surgical intervention is typically recommended for complete ACL tears in individuals who are highly active and want to return to sports or an otherwise active lifestyle. Surgery aims to restore normal ACL function to regain knee stability.
• Types of ACL Surgery:
  • ACL Reconstruction Using Autograft: The ACL is rebuilt using tissue from another tendon in the patient’s own body. The most common types are:
    • Patellar Tendon Graft: A section of the patellar tendon (the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone) is harvested with a block of bone on either end. This method provides very strong graft material but has been associated with chronic, anterior knee pain post-surgery.
    • Hamstring Tendon Graft: Tendons from the back of the thigh are used. This method typically results in less pain after surgery and is not associated with chronic, anterior knee pain. However, hamstring grafts may end up stretching out over time, leading to increased knee laxity and loss of stability.
    • Quadricep Tendon Graft: A portion of the tendon just above the kneecap is harvested through a small incision. A benefit of using this tissue is that, unlike hamstring tendons, it provides a very strong graft that is not prone to stretching out. Another advantage of quadricep tendon grafts is that they have not been associated with chronicanterior knee pain like patellar tendon grafts are. Quadricep tendon grafts can be harvested through a very small, cosmetic incision and can be associated with less postoperative pain, facilitating early postoperative rehabilitation.
  • ACL Reconstruction Using Allograft: This involves using donor tissue from a cadaver. This option may be chosen for patients who prefer to avoid harvesting tissue from their own bodies, but it takes longer for allografts to integrate, and they also come with a slight risk of disease transmission. Also of concern is that some follow-up studies have demonstrated a higher level of failure in patients who have undergone allograft reconstruction, particularly in younger individuals.
  • ACL Repair & Regeneration with BEAR (Bridge-Enhanced ACL Restoration) Technology:
    BEAR ACL surgery is an innovative procedure that focuses on preserving, repairing, and regenerating the native ACL. Instead of replacing the torn ligament with a graft, the procedure involves suturing the ACL back together followed by placing a collagen implant (BEAR®) soaked in the patient’s blood to serve as a scaffold that supports ligament regeneration. Usually, the circulating synovial fluid within the knee joint makes it a hostile environment for healing. However, the BEAR collagen implant protects the reconnected ligament, allowing it to reconstitute fully.

This novel approach maintains the ACL’s natural nerve supply, promoting better knee stability, coordination, and a more “normal”-feeling knee. It is hoped that preserving the natural ACL tissue will reduce the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis developing in the future, a common problem after ACL injury. As a bonus, patients who undergo ACL regeneration typically find that they experience less pain after surgery and a faster recovery compared to more traditional, reconstructive methods.

• Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:
  • Initial Recovery: After surgery, the focus is on managing pain, reducing swelling, and regaining range of motion. Physical therapy begins with gentle movements and progresses to strengthening exercises as healing allows.
  • Progressive Rehabilitation: As recovery advances, the rehabilitation program becomes more intensive. It includes exercises to improve strength, balance, and stability, and gradually introduces sport-specific activities. Full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual’s progress and adherence to the rehabilitation plan.
  • Return to Sport: The goal of rehabilitation is to prepare the patient for a safe return to their previous level of activity. Functional testing is often performed to ensure the knee can handle the demands of sports or other high-impact activities before full clearance is given.

Why Choose Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine Clinic for ACL Treatment?

At Meier Orthopedic Sports Medicine (MOSM), we understand that ACL injuries are more than just physical setbacks—they can be highly traumatic, life-altering, events, especially for athletes. Whether you’re a professional or a weekend warrior, getting back to your peak performance requires specialized care, and that’s exactly what MOSM delivers.

An ACL injury can be a major setback but recovery is within reach. We offer a variety of treatment options, from innovative non-surgical therapies to advanced surgical techniques, all tailored to your needs.

Here’s how MOSM can assist with ACL injuries:

• Expert Evaluation: Led by Dr. Steven Meier, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, MOSM provides precise assessments using advanced diagnostics to determine the most effective treatment plan for your ACL injury.
• Regenerative Medicine Using Orthobiologics: Whether you are pursuing a non-surgical recovery regimen or looking to enhance surgical results, we offer regenerative treatments like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and cell therapy using Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC). These therapies harness your body’s natural healing processes to help repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve knee function.
• Minimally-Invasive ACL Reconstruction: When surgery is needed, Dr. Meier specializes in minimally-invasive ACL reconstruction. This procedure uses small incisions and a fiber-optic camera with specialized instruments to repair or reconstruct the ACL, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery, and minimal scarring.
• Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR) and Regeneration: Dr. Meier is one of the early adopters of the innovative BEAR procedure, which is a newer technique that promotes the healing of the torn ACL through a suture repair that incorporates a special collagen implant. Unlike traditional ACL reconstruction, BEAR aims to repair and regenerate the torn ligament rather than replace it. This method helps to preserve the ACL’s natural function contributing to better knee stability, a more natural feeling post-recovery, and possibly, less risk for developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis so common after ACL injuries.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation: After treatment, our team utilizes customized rehabilitation programs focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and stability, ensuring you return to your active lifestyle with confidence.

At MOSM, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you need non-surgical therapies or advanced surgical techniques like BEAR, our goal is to help you recover fully and get back to doing what you love.

Choose MOSM for ACL treatment, and trust that you’re in the hands of the best in the field. Contact us today and get back to your favorite sport in no time.