Achilles’ strength, courage, and loyalty are synonymous with American football players making and taking hit after hit. Yet, just like Achilles, there is vulnerability in everyone. Ironically, this time, the Achilles has proven to be the vulnerability itself. For the second week in a row, we have seen a defensive captain succumb to a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture. On Sunday, NaVorro Bowman—the San Francisco 49ers’ face of the franchise and 2015 league leader in tackles (154)—was carted off  the field in the third quarter. This is a huge loss to the 49ers. Replacing Bowman is an incredible undertaking, and the team has already fallen behind in the wins column this season. Bowman is expected to undergo surgery to repair his Achilles rupture and begin the arduous rehabilitation to bring him back to full strength for the 2017 season.

Dr. Kenneth G. Swan, Jr., our sports medicine specialist, also serves as team physician for Woodbridge Township School District and Perth Amboy Public Schools. Dr. Swan discusses the Achilles tendon rupture, treatment plans and the prognosis for Bowman.

We have partnered with WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM to bring you the weekly Football Injury Update, a recap of the top injuries across the NFL with our doctors providing their expert medical opinion on the injury, treatment options, and prognosis to return to the field of play. The Football Injury Update will air each Thursday and Friday on Mike Francesa’s show between 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.