METAIRIE, La. -- Derek Newton said he was laid up in bed for nearly two months, then in a wheelchair for nearly three weeks, then on crutches after he tore both of his patellar tendons in a devastating 2016 injury with the Houston Texans.
Two years later, he was back on the practice field for the first time this week after signing with the New Orleans Saints.
"It feels good, man. Two years has been a long time. A long journey. But I'm back, thankful," said the 31-year-old offensive lineman, who believes he would be the first player ever to return from tearing both patellar tendons at the same time if he ever plays in a game with the Saints.