Breaking Down the Biggest NFL Injuries from Week 15

Week 15 of the National Football League (NFL) brought a wave of high-profile injuries, sidelining several star players including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, and Green Bay Packers defensive lineman, Micah Parsons.

We spoke with HOI’s Executive Medical Director, Dr. Alan Beyer, to get his expertise on the severity of these injuries, rehab timelines and any long-term implications.

On Recent Injuries to NFL Players:

“I think we are seeing what happens at the limits and brink of human performance and capabilities of professional football players. Players are faster, stronger and more athletic than ever before. Their bodies can’t take it over the course of a long season. What this all tells me as an orthopedic surgeon and football fan is that teams may need to expand their rosters. Injuries are a part of the game and it’s not a question of “if” an injury may occur but more of a “when” will they occur. They need deeper benches of same-level players. Minutes of playing time may need to be more rigorously monitored, just like we count pitches in baseball. I suspect we will see more discussions among NFL owners on injury management.”

On Patrick Mahomes’ ACL Tear:

“I’m surprised an ACL hasn’t taken him out previously. He runs, scrambles out of the pocket and makes plays with his feet that amaze. He will probably be ready to play next year, just how soon is up to his body to recover and rehab from surgery. Adrian Peterson returned to play after an ACL tear the fastest we’ve ever seen – 7 months. For most athletes it can take up to a year. Knowing his competitive level, I bet we see him on the field practicing by next training camp.”

On Micah Parsons’ ACL Tear:

“It may take him a little longer to recover from his ACL tear than Mahomes. He’s bigger and heavier and that takes longer to rehab. They may use a different repair ligament on his ACL as well.”

On Davante Adams’ Hamstring Injury:

“The Rams need to let him rest and rehab this injury and not rush him back. Hamstring injuries are delicate. They need time to repair.”

To hear more of Dr. Beyer’s expert insight on professional athlete injuries, tune in to ESPN LA’s Road to Recovery, as well as Dr. Beyer’s radio show, Doctor in the Dugout on AM830.