John FitzPatrick Has Been Cleared for Football Activity
The tight end is returning to the field following a recovery from a surgically treated torn Achilles tendon.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Football
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John FitzPatrick has received medical clearance to return to football activities, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon. He sustained the injury during a 2025 Week 16 game against the Chicago Bears.
Why it matters
FitzPatrick aims to resume his NFL career after the injury interrupted his 2025 season with the Green Bay Packers. His return provides him the opportunity to compete again after becoming a free agent in 2026.
FitzPatrick recorded 12 receptions for 72 yards and one touchdown across 15 games during the 2025 season. He also made four starts for the Green Bay Packers before suffering his season-ending injury.
The players
John FitzPatrick
He is an NFL tight end who has played for the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons.
Green Bay Packers
This is a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League.
Atlanta Falcons
This is a professional football franchise based in Atlanta that competes in the NFL.
The details
FitzPatrick, who initially joined the Packers from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in 2024, underwent successful surgery for his Achilles injury. The recovery process has cleared him to resume professional football activities as he looks toward the future.
Timeline
FitzPatrick missed his entire rookie season in 2022 due to injury.
The Packers signed him from the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in 2024.
He suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a Week 16 game in 2025.
FitzPatrick became a free agent in 2026.
Season Trajectory
FitzPatrick's return to health adds a depth option to the free agent market for teams looking to bolster their roster during the season. His status change impacts his availability for teams navigating injury-related roster vacancies.
FitzPatrick is now eligible to be signed by any NFL team as a free agent. His return offers teams a veteran option at tight end who appeared in 15 games and recorded 12 receptions during the 2025 season.
The takeaway
FitzPatrick remains an experienced depth piece for teams needing tight end production. His medical clearance concludes a long recovery process that began after his 2025 injury.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and team updates, visit Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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Would you encourage an athlete to risk further injury by attempting a comeback after surgery?
