On January 13th, the New Orleans Saints faced off against the Philadelphia Eagles in a divisional playoff game at the Superdome. On the second defensive possession of the first quarter, Saints defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins fell to the ground holding his left leg. Following an initial assessment by Saints medical trainers, Rankins was carted off the field. He did not return to the game.
It was later revealed that he had torn his Achilles tendon. He had an MRI. We often talk about overuse of MRI in professional athletes. There is some thought that knowing the exact location on MRI might direct treatment, but that is debatable. The problem is obvious on examination.
Rankins chose to have surgery to repair the torn Achilles a few days after the injury. It will be difficult for him to be ready in time for the start of the 2019 season.
