Dez Bryant faces 'tough rehabilitation' from costly season-ending injury

10:26 AM ET

When Dez Bryant tore his Achilles on the last play of practice Friday, he lost his opportunity to play for a contender, reach a Super Bowl, and make himself even more valuable during free agency this winter -- all part of his grand plan when he signed with the New Orleans Saints.

But the season-ending injury also will cost Bryant money next offseason. No team is expected to pay Bryant what he was hoping to make, though it's possible he can land an incentive-laden deal that would boost his value if he returns strong from the torn Achilles.

• 

  An MRI confirmed that receiver Dez Bryant has suffered a torn Achilles and now faces an expected eight-month recovery, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Saturday.

"Dez will have a tough rehabilitation," predicted a doctor who has worked with NFL players attempting to come back from the same injury. "Achilles is tough, even if the torn surgery is tomorrow."

There is some hope and optimism that Bryant can bounce back from this injury, based on recent examples of other players. When wide receiver Michael Crabtree was 26 years old, he tore his Achilles in May and returned to play six months later in December.

Bryant turned 30 last week, he missed this entire season and would be attempting to come back next season after an extended absence from football.

But according to a recent study in Foot and Ankle International, 73 percent of players are able to return to the NFL after tearing their Achilles. Bryant will have more challenges ahead, but he has no choice but to tackle them if he wants to play again in the NFL.

Bryant, who had been expected to make his Saints debut in Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles, could have made incentive money for receptions this season, up to $500,000, according to a review of his contract with New Orleans.

Bryant would have made $50,000 if he caught 25 passes in the Saints' remaining seven games after Sunday. He would have made an additional $100,000 if he caught 30 passes this season, an additional $150,000 for 35 catches and an additional $200,000 for 40 catches.

Altogether, Bryant could have earned an additional $500,000 -- but he would have had to have averaged over five catches per game to earn it.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Read Again Brow http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25241830/dez-bryant-faces-tough-rehabilitation-costly-season-ending-injury

Bagikan Berita Ini