Matthew Judon shows off biceps recovery: ‘I’m ready to play’
The Patriots' star linebacker looks OK after suffering a season-ending biceps tear during Week 4 of the 2023 season.
Nearly 19 weeks after suffering a season-ending biceps injury during a blowout loss to the Cowboys in Week 4, Matthew Judon is back.
The 31-year-old Patriots linebacker underwent surgery in October and was cleared to play by December. However, with his team already out of playoff contention, he stayed on the sidelines for the remainder of their 4-13 season.
Judon was undoubtedly the Patriots’ strongest edge rusher. And while the defense was the least of the team’s worries last season, his return is highly anticipated. He’ll likely be back alongside players like Anfernee Jennings, Mack Wilson Sr., and Jahlani Tavai — who did surprisingly well in his absence.
Dan Foley, who specializes in rehabilitation and high-performance strength training for injured athletes, posted a video of Judon’s workout Tuesday. He’s able to perform weight-bearing exercises, has strong mobility, and balance.
Judon appeared on 98.5’s The Sports Hub’s Felger and Mazz show last week and gave a health update. Sitting down with the Boston-based radio hosts, the veteran edge rusher said he’s ready to get back on the field.
“I feel like I’m fully functional. I feel like I got my strength back, my mobility back. I’m ready to play,” Judon said.
In 2022, Judon was playing his career-best. He recorded 15.5 sacks and 28 QB hits, along with 60 combined tackles for the Patriots. After spending five years in Baltimore, Judon made an immediate impact in New England, joining the squad in 2021.
And while Judon’s 2023 season was cut short, 2024 brings a promising defensive lineup – both in terms of players and coaching staff.
New head coach Jerod Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker, is joined now by inside linebackers coach Dont’a Hightower and outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins.
The Wilkins hire, announced Sunday, is a reunion for Judon. The two overlapped for Judon’s entire time with the Ravens, from 2016 to 2021.
As The Boston Globe’s Chris Price pointed out, between a stacked cast of defensive players and coaches, it’s a good time to be a Patriots linebacker.
And despite inevitable trade rumors swirling, Judon has indicated a strong desire to stay in New England.
“I have another year on my contract, so I’m back. I’m happy that I’m still able to play football,” Judon said when asked by Felger and Mazz about his contract.
Judon took to Instagram Monday, making another statement about his excitement for the upcoming season. Reposting a photo of Mayo, Judon added a GIF of himself in the Patriots uniform checking his watch.
That could only mean one thing – it’s finally time for Judon to return.
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