NFL Star Reportedly Tears Achilles - 'I Won't Question the Man Upstairs'
Dez Bryant’s season didn’t start as he imagined, as the former Dallas Cowboys receiver was unemployed until November.
It also doesn’t appear that Bryant’s season will end as he imagined, as the New Orleans Saints fear he tore his Achilles’ tendon at the end of Friday’s practice.
Wrapping up a brutal day for Dez Bryant and the #Saints on @NFLTotalAccess @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/4Ws2GGEXWI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 10, 2018
“Just a devastating scene at Saints practice where Dez Bryant was running a pass route when he crumpled to the turf,” Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network said Saturday. “People who were there said you could hear a pop. Bryant had to be helped off the field immediately. Teammates and others fear the worst, a significant injury. The initial diagnosis is an Achilles tear, that would obviously be season-ending.”
Bryant will undergo an MRI, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter said a source told him the imaging test is considered “a formality” as doctors are pretty sure the Achilles is torn.
Rehab after surgery for a torn Achilles is normally around eight months, which would have Bryant ready just around the time training camp starts up for the 2019 season.
Bryant signed a one-year deal with the Saints earlier this week as their other receivers have been battling injuries. He will likely become the third Saints receiver to go on injured reserve in the last three weeks following Ted Ginn Jr. and Cameron Meredith.
Bryant acknowledged the serious nature of the injury afterward on Twitter.
Things was just starting to heat up for me… I won’t question the man upstairs… this is the ultimate test.. thank you everyone for the prayers
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 9, 2018
I’ve let a lot of things get to me in my life and I promise this will not be one..I’m thankful for God..life..my family.. my cool projects that I’m working on.. so be on the look out for @personalcorner coming soon and call of duty blacks ops 4 zombies..
Life could be worse
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 10, 2018
Bryant also retweeted a message from teammate Ben Watson, who suffered his own Achilles’ tear during the 2016 preseason and missed that entire year.
Just one stop on the journey my brother. You’ve already left your mark on this locker room even though it’s only been two days. Looking forward to seeing you ball again. Keep pressing on!! We are here for you! Rom 8:28
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) November 9, 2018
The deal that Bryant signed with New Orleans was prorated and will still pay him $600,000 even if he doesn’t play a snap.
There was also an incentive package built into the deal that could have earned him another $500,000. He would have earned $50,000 for 25 catches, an additional $100,000 for 30 catches, $150,000 for 35 catches and $200,000 for 40 catches.
Watch: @DezBryant‘s first interview as a Saint-> https://t.co/rGLbugcdej#GoSaints pic.twitter.com/MK3mPRg3Rc
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 8, 2018
With Bryant seemingly done for the year, the Saints will likely revisit the other receivers who worked out alongside Bryant earlier this week.
Those include another former Pro Bowler in Brandon Marshall, who was cut last week by the Seahawks. The Saints also worked out Kamar Aiken, who was cut by the Eagles last month.
As it stands, the Saints will have just three receivers active for Sunday’s game vs. Cincinnati, although that is somewhat mitigated by the fact that the Bengals have the last-ranked pass defense.
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