Cowboys' Crawford: Surgically-repaired Achilles weaker than expected
GRAPEVINE, Texas - Tyrone Crawford suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon on the first day of training camp practice in July.
The Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman says the injury is completely healed and he hasn't experienced any setbacks, however, he's not as far along as he would like to be.
"It's still sore, but that's getting used to being at practice and going up against an offensive lineman," Crawford said Tuesday during the team's annual golf tournament. "[It's] definitely weaker than I expected it would be at this point, and sometimes I try to put my foot down and it doesn't hold as well as I want it to."
Crawford assured that he would not open camp on the physically unable to perform list. From talking to others who have experienced a similar injury, Crawford said the usual timetable for regaining full strength is around a year.
He also mentioned that doctors have told him it's more likely he'd tear his right Achilles before re-injuring his left. The injured tendon actually becomes stronger during the healing process.
"I'm just going to get through OTAs, make sure I'm feeling good through OTAs, make sure I get with my trainers and keep doing my rehab," he said. "Hopefully I feel good by training camp."
Cowboys safety Barry Church tore his right Achilles tendon in Sept. 2012. He missed the remainder of the season, but returned in 2013 to start every game and lead the team in tackles.
