size is small. 30 out of 51 with a complete tear returned to play while only 1 out of 5 with a partial tear returned to play. Note that 31 out of 56 is the 55% figure being bandied about. Note also that the return to play rates from this study are higher for older players and players who have more than 4 years experience. The return to play for offensive linemen was 6 out of 17. The study also looks at injuries from the 2009 to the 2022 seasons, so query whether improvements might exist over time given medical advancements.



link to full study:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806464/