Surgeon who operated on Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles also worked on mending Tom Brady’s knees: Report
The surgeon who operated on Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tendon has worked with multiple high-profile athletes.
In just his fourth snap as a New York Jet, Rodgers was taken down by a Buffalo Bills defender and couldn't continue. After spending time in the medical tent, he was carted off the field.
Following the game, it was revealed Rodgers had a torn Achilles, and his season was over just like that.
Rodgers underwent surgery on Wednesday. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache. ElAttrache is the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Dodgers’ team physician.
He also repaired Kobe Bryant’s Achilles, and Joe Burrow and Tom Brady’s knees, according to the Athletic.
Dr. ElAttrache uses a different method for Achilles surgeries than other doctors. He uses a method called internal bracing, which involves adding a sutured “bridge brace” over the top of the repair site. The extra support allows athletes to begin physical activity much earlier than usual and speeds up their return to the field.
D. ElAttrache completed the surgery on Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers, and he was able to return to the field just five-and-a-half months later. The typical return timeline for a torn Achilles is nine months to a year.
Jets confident Aaron Rodgers will be back
Given that many NFL players have been able to return from a torn Achilles, the New York Jets have confidence Aaron Rodgers will do the same,
Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters:
"I'd be shocked if this is the way he's going to go out."
Saleh's hope for the New York Jets is that Aaron Rodgers will be around the team to help lead and guide Zach Wilson:
"I think it's very important. It's important for him. For him, I think it's the mental health and healing. I think that's very important. But his presence, his words.
"I said he's as much a football coach as he is a player. Just having his presence, his thoughts, his words and his leadership, anybody would want that."
As of right now, Aaron Rodgers will begin his rehab, but many expect him to be the New York Jets' starting quarterback in 2024.