Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles, Ohtani’s Rehab, Chris Sale’s Rib & NFL Injury Insights: Best Insights from the SIC Podcast
2 min read • June 24, 2025
Posted in
MLB
Join Pro Football Doc - Dr David Chao and Taylor Bicht to discuss the big injury news from the NBA, MLB, and NFL.
From Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending Achilles tear to Shohei Ohtani’s pitching rehab, the latest Pro Football Doc Podcast delivered a jam-packed episode.
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Here are the top injury insights from Pro Football Doc and the team, featuring key updates on Brandon Aiyuk, Malik Nabers, Anthony Richardson, Chris Sale, and more.
Tyrese Haliburton Achilles Injury Analysis
“The biggest loss is the Pacers not having Tyrese Haliburton for next season.” — Dr. Chao
Haliburton’s Achilles tendon tear was the culmination of a known issue: tendonitis observed as early as Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Despite a rising injury risk across Games 3–6, he played through it with “informed consent.”
“If this was the Super Bowl, would you play with a 5% risk? Haliburton did. And he should be applauded.”
Dr. Chao emphasized the injury was related to prior calf and Achilles irritation, mirroring Kevin Durant’s 2019 Finals path. Expect Haliburton to miss most, if not all, of the 2025–26 season.
Shohei Ohtani: Pitching on the Fly
“Ohtani is the starting pitcher in name only… he’s doing his rehab in the majors because the Dodgers need his bat.”
Ohtani’s last two starts were limited to one inning each. Dr. Chao made it clear these aren’t full pitching returns but controlled rehab outings — a rare path driven by dual-role demand.
Chris Sale: Rib Injury Raises Flags
“Take the over on 15 days. The torque from his sidearm delivery and his build are contributing factors.”
Sale’s latest rib fracture came from a diving play but could be linked to past stress fractures. At 6'6" with a lean frame and history of rib issues, Sale may miss multiple starts despite the 15-day IL tag.
Brandon Aiyuk: Yellow Light for 2025
“He’s in the yellow category. First year post-ACL — I’m not fading him entirely, but I’m cautious.”
Aiyuk is making solid progress post-ACL/MCL tear (Week 7, 2024), but expectations should be tempered.
Anthony Richardson: Shoulder Not the Main Concern
“I’m more worried about his usage. Daniel Jones is getting more reps.”
Richardson's AC joint isn’t holding him back physically, but the Colts may favor Jones due to continuity. Richardson’s playing style — reliant on physicality — increases injury exposure.
Malik Nabers: Lingering Toe Trouble
“Seven months post-season and still not fully right? That’s worrisome.”
Speed-based receivers like Nabers can’t afford even minor foot limitations. His availability for full-speed cuts in camp remains uncertain.
Final Word: Haliburton's Grit, Not Regret
“Stop saying the Pacers did him dirty. Call Haliburton the dog that he is.”
Dr. Chao closed by praising Haliburton’s competitive drive and transparency from the Pacers’ medical team.
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Don't expect Shohei Ohtani to be a real "starting" pitcher for the Dodgers until late this season. For now, he will be ramping up an inning at a time in the bigs so the Dodgers don't lose his bat. @profootballdoc
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