Oregon announced that wide receiver Evan Stewart suffered a torn patellar tendon during the Ducks’ offseason program. The injury may sideline him for an extended period and puts his 2025 season in jeopardy.
But Stewart’s situation also highlights how recovery from sports injuries is changing rapidly across college football.
For the 21-year-old Stewart and many other athletes, rehabilitation isn’t just something that happens quietly behind the scenes anymore. It’s becoming a more visible, technology-driven process that’s reshaping how players approach injuries, performance, and their entire careers.
Today’s college football environment has become intensely competitive. Getting hurt isn’t just about missing games anymore.
Players now must think about staying relevant and rebuilding their mental approach. They’re using every available tool to return to the field faster than previous generations could imagine.
More athletes are turning to advanced therapies that go well beyond the traditional ice and rest approach.
New Recovery Methods
One of the most discussed innovations is shockwave therapy. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to speed up deep tissue healing. It’s being used more frequently by athletes dealing with tendon and muscle injuries similar to Stewart’s.
Clinics like Chattanooga Rehab are at the forefront of these developments. They offer treatments that help players recover faster without surgery or heavy medication.
For athletes at every level, lost time equals lost opportunities. Recovery must be as sophisticated as the sport itself.
The culture around injuries has shifted in terms of mindset as well. Players don’t just focus on getting healthy anymore.
They have to build mental toughness and show fans and teammates they can fight through adversity with discipline. The goal isn’t just making it back onto the field—it’s returning better and stronger than before.
And they want everyone to see that journey.
Whether Stewart returns in time to compete for Oregon this season remains unclear. But his injury represents part of a larger trend in college football.
Recovery isn’t a side story anymore. It’s happening in full view of everyone and changing what it means to be ready to play at the highest level.
