For those who were tough enough to sit through Monday’s snoozer between the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans, they were subject to some bad play — and one gruesome injury.
Houston Texans right tackle Derek Newton suffered an injury that shook many, and might have ended Newton’s career. Newton has reportedly torn patella tendons in both of his knees. Both of his legs were put in air casts, and he was carted off the field. Chris Clark was Newton’s replacement Monday.
While players such as Victor Cruz and Jimmy Graham have torn one patella tendon, it’s extremely rare to see a player tear both in the same instance.
This is awful. #Texans RT Derek Newton has torn both patella tendons, @MikeGarafolo & I report, and there is more damage. As bad as can be.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2016
Rapoport elaborated on this initial tweet, and it only gets worse.
According to RapSheet, there is also “more damage.” This is about as brutal an injury a football player can suffer. Newton’s injury appeared to be a freak thing, as he simply collapsed in non-contact fashion as both of his knees simply gave out. Newton is certainly out for the season and probably questionable for Week 1 next season. It’s a career-threatening injury.
Newton was a seventh-round pick by Houston in 2011 and started every game for the Texans between 2013 and 2015. He is currently playing under a five-year, $26.5 million deal, which includes $10 million guaranteed and a $3.75 signing bonus.
Two of the most recent examples of NFL players dealing with this injury — former Chicago Bears wide receiver Wendell Davis and former Cleveland Browns corner back Gary Baxter — both tried to return to football but were unable to.
On top of these examples of failed returns, scientists discovered recently that the toughest injuries to overcome are those that happen to the patellar tendon, Achilles tendon and ACL.
Here’s to hoping Newton can overcome the staunch odds against him.
[PFT]
