2026 Week 5 NFL Injury Hightlight Javon Hargrave

Javon Hargrave’s Torn Achilles: What Happened and How Physical Therapy Helps Recovery

The 2026 NFL season has seen another significant injury, as Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the team’s Week 5 victory over the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred late in the game and was confirmed by MRI testing on Monday, October 12, ending his season.

Although Achilles tendon injuries are particularly concerning for professional athletes, they can also affect recreational athletes and everyday individuals. Understanding how this injury occurs, how it is treated, and why physical therapy is essential can help patients better understand the recovery process.

How Did Javon Hargrave Injure His Achilles?

Hargrave sustained the injury during the fourth quarter of Green Bay’s 31–7 win over Chicago on October 11, 2026. While pursuing Bears quarterback Case Keenum, Hargrave went down without apparent contact from another player and was eventually carted off the field. The injury was later confirmed to be a torn Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon is the thick, strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays a critical role in walking, running, jumping, accelerating, and pushing off the ground. For a defensive lineman like Hargrave, the tendon must withstand tremendous forces during explosive movements, sudden changes in direction, and powerful pushes against opposing players.

An Achilles tendon rupture can occur when the tendon experiences more force than it can tolerate. This may happen during a sudden acceleration, an abrupt change in direction, or a forceful push-off—even without direct contact or a collision.

While professional football places extraordinary demands on the body, Achilles injuries are not limited to elite athletes. They can also occur during basketball, tennis, running, recreational sports, or everyday activities that involve sudden movements.

What Is a Torn Achilles Tendon?

An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon fibers partially or completely tear. A complete rupture means the tendon has torn all the way through, disrupting the connection between the calf muscles and the heel.

Common symptoms include:

• A sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle or lower leg.
• A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury.
• Swelling and bruising around the ankle or heel.
• Difficulty walking normally or bearing weight.
• Significant weakness when trying to push off the foot or stand on tiptoes.

Because these symptoms can resemble other calf or ankle injuries, an evaluation by a qualified medical professional is important. Early diagnosis helps determine the appropriate treatment and protects the tendon while it begins to heal.

How Is an Achilles Tendon Tear Diagnosed?

Doctors typically begin with a physical examination and questions about how the injury occurred. They may assess swelling, tenderness, the position of the foot, and the ability to move the ankle.

One common examination is the Thompson test. During this test, the patient lies face down while the clinician gently squeezes the calf muscle. If the Achilles tendon is intact, the foot typically points downward. If the tendon is completely ruptured, this movement may be absent or significantly reduced.

Imaging may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of the injury.

• MRI: Provides detailed images of the tendon and surrounding tissues and can help clarify the location and severity of the tear.
• Ultrasound: Can show the tendon fibers, identify a rupture, and help assess the gap between torn tendon ends.
• X-rays: Do not show the tendon itself well, but may be used to check for associated bone injuries.

How Is a Torn Achilles Tendon Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear, the patient’s activity level, overall health, and personal goals. For a complete rupture in a professional athlete, surgery is often considered to repair the tendon and support a return to high-level athletic activity.

1. Surgical Repair

Surgery involves bringing the torn ends of the Achilles tendon back together and securing them so the tendon can heal. Depending on the injury, a surgeon may use an open procedure or a minimally invasive technique.

Following surgery, the ankle is typically protected in a splint, cast, or walking boot. The foot is often positioned with the toes pointing downward initially to reduce tension on the healing tendon.

2. Nonsurgical Treatment

Some Achilles ruptures can be managed without surgery. This approach typically involves a carefully controlled period of immobilization in a boot, followed by progressive movement and strengthening.

The decision between surgery and nonsurgical treatment is individualized. Both approaches require a structured rehabilitation program, and neither eliminates the need for patience during recovery.

For Hargrave, surgery and a subsequent rehabilitation process are expected following confirmation of the injury. His season is over, with recovery aimed at a potential return to football in 2027.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Achilles Tendon Rehabilitation

Physical therapy is one of the most important components of recovery after an Achilles tendon rupture. Even after the tendon has been repaired or begins healing without surgery, the calf muscles may become weaker, ankle movement may be restricted, and walking and balance can be affected.

Rehabilitation progresses gradually. Advancing too quickly can place excessive stress on the healing tendon, while progressing too slowly can contribute to stiffness, weakness, and prolonged difficulty with daily activities.

A physical therapist develops an individualized program based on the surgeon’s protocol, the stage of healing, symptoms, strength, and functional goals.

Phase 1: Protecting the Healing Tendon

Early rehabilitation focuses on protecting the tendon and controlling swelling and discomfort. Depending on the medical protocol, treatment may include:

• Following prescribed weight-bearing restrictions and using crutches when necessary.
• Managing swelling and discomfort.
• Maintaining strength in other areas of the body without stressing the injured tendon.
• Learning safe walking and movement strategies.
• Following specific guidelines for ankle positioning and mobility.

During this phase, patients should avoid aggressive calf stretching or unsupervised ankle exercises that could place excessive tension on the tendon.

Phase 2: Restoring Mobility and Strength

As healing progresses and the medical team allows additional activity, rehabilitation begins to focus on restoring ankle movement and muscle strength. A physical therapist may gradually introduce:

• Controlled ankle range-of-motion exercises.
• Gentle strengthening within the prescribed limits.
• Exercises for the hips, knees, and core.
• Progressive weight-bearing and walking activities.
• Balance exercises when appropriate.

The goal is to improve mobility and strength while allowing the tendon to continue healing safely.

Phase 3: Rebuilding Strength and Walking Ability

As the tendon becomes stronger, treatment progresses toward more demanding exercises and everyday functional activities. Patients may work on:

• Progressive calf strengthening.
• Improving balance and coordination.
• Normalizing walking mechanics.
• Increasing tolerance for stairs and longer periods of standing.
• Gradually restoring single-leg strength and control.

Calf strength is especially important because the calf muscles and Achilles tendon work together to push the body forward during walking, running, and jumping.

Phase 4: Returning to Sports and High-Level Activity

For athletes like Hargrave, rehabilitation must eventually address the physical demands of competitive football. This requires considerably more than being able to walk without pain.

Later-stage rehabilitation may include progressive running, jumping, landing mechanics, acceleration, deceleration, and sport-specific drills. These activities are introduced only when the tendon, strength, movement quality, and overall function meet appropriate criteria.

A return to sport is based on objective testing, functional progress, and medical clearance—not simply the amount of time that has passed since surgery. For recreational athletes and active adults, the same principles apply, with goals tailored to activities such as running, hiking, tennis, or returning to the gym.

How Long Does Recovery from a Torn Achilles Take?

Achilles tendon recovery takes time. Many patients require several months to regain comfortable walking and everyday function, while returning to running and explosive athletic activity can take considerably longer.

For high-level athletes, returning to competition often takes approximately 9–12 months or longer, depending on healing, strength, functional testing, and sport-specific demands. Individual outcomes vary, and not every patient follows the same timeline.

Consistent physical therapy, adherence to medical restrictions, and gradual progression are important throughout recovery. Even when pain has improved, the tendon and calf muscles may not yet be ready for demanding activity.

Can Physical Therapy Help Prevent Achilles Injuries?

Although no exercise program can guarantee prevention, physical therapy can help address factors that may contribute to lower-extremity injuries.

A well-designed program may focus on calf strength and endurance, ankle mobility, balance, coordination, progressive loading, and appropriate preparation for sport or exercise. Gradually increasing activity levels and allowing adequate recovery between demanding workouts can also help manage the stresses placed on the tendon.

Get Back to Moving with Portsmouth Physical Therapy

An Achilles tendon injury can be frustrating and disruptive, whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend sports enthusiast, or simply trying to return to your normal routine. The right rehabilitation program can make a meaningful difference in rebuilding strength, restoring mobility, and improving confidence in your movement.

At Portsmouth Physical Therapy, we help patients recover from orthopedic injuries, improve physical function, and work toward their individual goals with personalized physical therapy care.

If you’re recovering from an Achilles tendon injury, ankle surgery, or another sports-related injury, our team can help you navigate your rehabilitation and develop a plan tailored to your needs.

Don’t let an injury keep you on the sidelines. Contact Portsmouth Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment and take the next step toward getting back to the activities you love!