Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans and Calvin Ridley have unveiled a detailed, multi-phase rehabilitation plan aimed at getting the star wide receiver back on the field for the 2026 season, following his season-ending partial ACL tear in May. Developed in collaboration with the Titans’ medical staff, renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and Ridley’s personal trainers, the plan prioritizes slow, sustainable healing to minimize the risk of re-injury while ensuring he regains full strength, speed, and agility. For the Titans, who are already navigating a season without Ridley’s playmaking ability, the clarity of the rehab timeline offers a measure of hope for the future—even as they focus on short-term fixes to their wide receiver corps. Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans breaks down each phase of the recovery process, the key milestones Ridley must hit, and how the team is supporting his comeback.

Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans begins with the immediate post-surgery phase, which spans the first six weeks and focuses on reducing swelling, managing pain, and protecting the repaired knee. Ridley underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the partial ACL tear in early June, with Dr. ElAttrache noting that the procedure “went smoothly” and that the tear was “less severe than initially feared.” During this phase, Ridley is restricted to non-weight-bearing activities—using crutches to avoid putting pressure on the knee—and will work with Titans physical therapists on gentle range-of-motion exercises, such as leg lifts and passive knee bends. He’ll also undergo cryotherapy sessions twice daily to reduce inflammation and electrical stimulation therapy to maintain muscle mass in his left leg. “The first few weeks are all about laying the foundation for healing,” said Titans head athletic trainer Tom Smith. “We can’t rush this—if we do, we risk setbacks that could extend his recovery time.” Ridley, who has been documenting small parts of his rehab on social media (sharing photos of his therapy sessions), has emphasized his commitment to following the plan closely: “I know this is a long road, but I’m taking it one day at a time. My goal is to come back stronger than before.”

Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans moves to the second phase, which runs from weeks 7 to 12 and introduces limited weight-bearing activities and strength training. By week 7, Ridley is expected to transition from crutches to a walking boot, gradually increasing his ability to put weight on the knee as tolerated. Physical therapy will shift to low-impact strength exercises, such as seated leg presses (with light resistance), step-ups on a low platform, and core strengthening workouts to improve overall stability. The Titans’ medical staff will also monitor his progress with weekly MRI scans to check the healing of the ACL and adjust the plan if needed. A key milestone in this phase is regaining 90% of the knee’s range of motion compared to the uninjured right knee—a target Ridley is expected to hit by week 10. “Range of motion is critical because it allows him to move the knee naturally, which will be essential for running and cutting later,” Smith explained. Ridley will also start working on balance drills, using a stability ball and balance board to retrain his knee to handle sudden shifts in weight—an important skill for a wide receiver who often has to change direction quickly to evade defenders.

Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans delves into the third phase (weeks 13 to 24), which marks the start of sport-specific training and a return to limited team activities. By this point, Ridley should be fully weight-bearing and able to walk without the boot, allowing him to progress to high-intensity strength exercises, such as squats, lunges, and plyometric drills (like box jumps with low height). He’ll also begin working with Titans wide receivers coach Rob Moore on football-specific movements—route-running at half-speed, catching passes while standing still, and simulated cuts to mimic game situations. The Tennessee Titans have built flexibility into this phase, allowing Ridley to join team practices as an observer in weeks 13 to 18, then participate in individual drills (without contact) in weeks 19 to 24. “We want him to stay connected to the team even as he rehabs,” said Titans interim head coach Matt Nagy. “Being around the guys, hearing the play calls, and working with Rob will help him stay mentally sharp, which is just as important as the physical recovery.” A major milestone here is completing a full practice without pain or discomfort—a test Ridley will take in week 24, with the Titans’ medical staff and coaching staff evaluating his readiness to move to the next phase.

Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans explores the fourth phase (weeks 25 to 36), which focuses on full-contact training and preparing for the 2026 preseason. This phase is the most intensive, with Ridley participating in all team practices, including 11-on-11 drills with live contact. He’ll work on high-speed route-running, catching passes while being defended, and making explosive cuts—movements that will put full stress on the repaired knee. The Tennessee Titans will also schedule a series of “mock games” in the spring of 2026, where Ridley will play limited snaps against the team’s defense to simulate game conditions. Dr. ElAttrache will conduct a final evaluation in week 36, performing a physical exam and MRI to confirm the ACL is fully healed and clearing Ridley for game action. “The final phase is about building confidence,” Moore said. “Calvin needs to trust that his knee can handle the physicality of the NFL again. Every rep in practice, every catch in a mock game, helps him build that trust.” Ridley has already set a goal of being ready for the Titans’ 2026 season opener, though the team has emphasized they won’t rush him if he’s not fully prepared.

Calvin Ridley's Rehab Plan Outlined for the Tennessee Titans wraps up with how the plan aligns with the Titans’ long-term roster strategy and the impact of Ridley’s comeback on the team. By outlining a clear timeline, the Titans have given fans and the front office a roadmap for when they can expect their top wide receiver back—allowing them to make informed decisions in the 2026 offseason, such as whether to re-sign free-agent receivers or draft additional depth. For the Tennessee Titans, Ridley’s rehab is more than just a personal journey; it’s a key part of their plan to rebuild a competitive offense around quarterback Will Levis and running back Derrick Henry. If Ridley returns to his pre-injury form (he had 1,031 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in 2023 with Jacksonville), he could redefine the Titans’ passing attack, giving Levis a true No. 1 target and opening up opportunities for other receivers. As Ridley continues to work through his rehab, the Titans will be right beside him—providing the resources, support, and patience needed to ensure his comeback is a success. For now, the focus is on hitting each small milestone, but the end goal is clear: getting Calvin Ridley back on the field in a Titans uniform, ready to help the team compete for a playoff spot once again.