Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has reportedly suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture, ending his 2025 season. This is one of the most feared injuries in sports — especially for skill-position players who depend on explosiveness.
Dr. Repko's Take:
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, linking the calf muscles to the heel bone. A complete rupture means this connection is lost, leaving athletes unable to push off, sprint, or jump. Non-contact ruptures like Ekeler’s typically occur during explosive acceleration or sudden directional changes.
Evidence-Based Treatment & Prognosis:
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Surgical repair is standard for elite athletes, as it reduces rerupture risk and allows for earlier rehabilitation.
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Rehab protocol includes staged weightbearing, progressive range of motion, strengthening of the calf-ankle complex, and eventually high-level sport-specific drills.
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Return to play often takes 9–12 months, with performance deficits common in the first season back (research shows ~78% return to play in the NFL, but often with decreased snap counts and efficiency initially).
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Long-term, most athletes regain full function, but re-injury risk and persistent weakness remain concerns.
Bottom line: With expert surgical care and progressive rehab, elite athletes can return to pre-injury levels — but patience, precision, and confidence-building are key parts of the process.
Think you have achilles tendon issues? Read more here
