The full timeline of Brandon Brooks’ recovery

The Eagles were back at the NovaCare Complex on Thursday for their first training camp practice, and one pleasant surprise was the presence of starting right guard Brandon Brooks.

After suffering a torn Achilles during the playoffs just over six months ago, estimates were that he’d be back on the field in 8-9 months. He’s surpassed many expectations during the offseason, and hit benchmarks much sooner than most. And now, the Pro Bowl lineman avoided the team’s PUP list to start camp, which is a great sign for him being ready

Thanks to hard work and one hell of a positive and determined attitude, Brooks’ recovery has been incredible.

Here’s a full timeline of his injury and return:

January 13: Torn Achilles

Brooks didn’t wait long after being carted off the field against New Orleans to confirm the worst, he did, in fact, suffer a torn Achilles. His absence was a big factor in that playoff loss for the Eagles, but his attitude toward recovering was positive from the beginning.

January 17: Surgery

February 27: Back in the gym

Brooks was still in a boot just over a month after surgery, but he was back in the gym getting some rope work in to keep that upper body in shape.

March 11: No more walking boot

Just under two months after surgery, Brandon Brooks was out of his walking boot and inching closer to his return. He did wear it on occassion out of an abundance of caution — like to 76ers games with Lane Johnson — but for the most part was getting his strength back.

April 10: No pain going up stairs

Brooks went on 94WIP’s Zero Fs Given podcast and gave an update on his recovery:

“He talked a little bit about his Achilles surgery recovery, and said he’s rehabbing about 4-5 days a week, and is able to go up the stairs without any kind of pain, in addition to doing the underwater treadmill a bit.”

June 21: Running and doing drills

When the team was officially gone for the summer, Brooks was back on the field doing drills.

July 25: Day 1 of training camp

It was somewhat surprising that Brooks didn’t start training camp on the PUP list, but he’s been committed to his rehab and is always willing to bet on himself. He was back on the field for the team’s first practice and well on his way to being ready for Week 1.