Stefon Diggs Out for Season with Torn ACL
Bills WR Suffers Major Injury in Week 17 Loss
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs is out for the season with a torn ACL, the team announced Monday. Diggs suffered the injury in the Bills' Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He is expected to undergo surgery this week.
The injury is a major blow to the Bills, who are in the midst of a playoff run. Diggs has been one of the team's most consistent offensive players this season, leading the team in receiving yards (1,429) and touchdown receptions (11).
In Diggs' absence, the Bills will likely turn to Isaiah McKenzie and Marquez Valdes-Scantling to fill the void at wide receiver. McKenzie has been a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen this season, while Valdes-Scantling has shown flashes of his big-play ability.
The Bills are still in good position to make a deep playoff run, but Diggs' injury will certainly make it more difficult. The team will need to find a way to replace his production if they want to make a serious run at the Super Bowl.
What is an ACL Tear?
An ACL tear is a common knee injury that occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is torn. The ACL is a strong band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). It helps to stabilize the knee and prevent it from buckling.
ACL tears can occur during a variety of activities, but they are most common in sports that involve sudden stops and changes of direction, such as football, basketball, and soccer.
Symptoms of an ACL tear include:
- A popping or snapping sound in the knee
- Severe pain and swelling
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the injured leg
- Instability or buckling of the knee
Treatment for an ACL tear typically involves surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament. After surgery, patients will need to undergo physical therapy to regain range of motion and strength in the knee.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from an ACL Tear?
The recovery time from an ACL tear varies depending on the severity of the injury and the individual patient. Most patients will need to wear a brace for several weeks after surgery and will need to avoid activities that put stress on the knee.
Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Patients will need to work with a physical therapist to regain range of motion, strength, and stability in the knee. The rehabilitation process can take several months or even longer.
Most patients will be able to return to their previous level of activity within 6-9 months after surgery. However, some patients may experience ongoing pain or instability in the knee, especially during high-impact activities.
