Achilles Tear: QB Kirk Cousins
Intro: As we dive into the world of the challenges and sports setbacks players have to go through, there’s always one injury that comes crawling back to haunt someone, ruining their career and hard work. In this case, we’ll dive into the life of former quarterback Kirk Cousins, learning about his mental state, challenges, and ultimately his fatal injury.
Rewind seven days from that home-video moment, Cousins tore his Achilles tendon in the Minnesota Vikings' win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 of the 2023 season. He was placed on season-ending injured reserve less than 48 hours later. Cousins’ rehab isn’t fully over yet, but the Vikings claim it will end soon.
"I'm optimistic that I can be full speed at practice before we break for the summer—and that's kind of the goal I've set for myself—but we do have a long runway," Cousins said during his introductory press conference after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with the Falcons Wednesday. "What I've been told, going back to when I first injured it, was that you don't rush it, you let time do its thing, and it's going to take time to fully heal that tissue. But as a competitor, you want to get back as fast as you can. Certainly, I'm trying to do that."
Cousins is 35 years old and about to embark on his 13th season in the NFL. He said the Achilles surgery was his first in his career, meaning the rehab process has also been a new endeavor for the veteran. He began the journey with the Vikings, continued with his personal trainer, Chad Cook, and will now wrap up with the Falcons.
While he couldn't give a percentage of how healthy is at the moment, Cousins said progress has only trended in a positive direction.
"I do think that I can take drops. I can play the quarterback position, if you will, throwing the football," Cousins said. "I think the minute I would have to leave the pocket is where you would say, 'Yeah, he's still recovering from an Achilles.' But taking drops, making throws, that's really no problem at this point."
Prior to his injury, Cousins had led the Vikings to a 4-4 start. They finished 7-10, same as the Falcons. In those eight games, Cousins completed 216 of his 311 pass attempts for 2,331 yards, 18 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Conclusion: Achilles tendon ruptures are very serious and should immediately be dealt with by a medical professional, athletic trainer, or doctor; they can ruin your ability to walk in the future and, like Kirk Cousins, your future sports career. It’s important to listen to the state of your body and properly condition and stretch well before any workout, lest situations like this happen again.
Sources cited:
Waack, Terrin. “Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins Expects to Be ‘full Speed’ by Training Camp.” Falcons Home, 14 Mar. 2024, www.atlantafalcons.com/news/quarterback-kirk-cousins-achilles-injury-rehab-recovery-timeline#:~:text=Rewind%20seven%20 days%20from%20 that,less%20than%2048%20 hours%20later.
Nelson, Joe. “Kirk Cousins Reveals Gnarly Scar, Wonders If Cleats Caused Injury.” Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More, Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More, 8 Feb. 2024, www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/kirk-cousins-reveals-gnarly-scar-wonders-if-cleats-caused-injury.
Nelson, Joe. “Kirk Cousins Reveals Gnarly Scar, Wonders If Cleats Caused Injury.” Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More, Sports Illustrated Minnesota Sports, News, Analysis, and More, 8 Feb. 2024, www.si.com/fannation/bringmethesports/vikings/kirk-cousins-reveals-gnarly-scar-wonders-if-cleats-caused-injury.
professional, Cleveland Clinic medical. “Achilles Tendon Rupture: What Is It, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21703-achilles-tendon-rupture. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.