Seibert’s Hip Holdout

At a Glance:

Player: Austin Seibert
Position: Kicker
Team: Commanders
Injury: Hip Injury
Projected Recovery Time: TBD

Week 10: Seibert’s Hip Holdout – Commanders’ Kicking Game Faces Uncertainty

The Washington Commanders are facing continued uncertainty with kicker Austin Seibert, who has been ruled out for the second consecutive game due to a right hip injury. Seibert initially sustained the injury in Week 9, and he was unable to suit up for the Commanders’ Week 10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the team conducting a walkthrough on Monday instead of a full practice, it appears Seibert’s chances of returning to action are slim, especially with the short turnaround ahead of Thursday’s divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. The right hip injury has kept Seibert sidelined for an extended period, and while the exact nature of the injury hasn’t been specified, hip flexor strains are common among football players and could be a factor in his absence.

Let’s talk about how we would address an injury like this in Physical Therapy! 

Exercises early on would consist of isometrics in a shortened position for the muscle since strains typically involve excess lengthening of the muscle. These isometrics build back strength and help reduce pain

As time goes on stretching can be introduced and strengthening can be progressed to lengthened positions for the hip flexor. Later in rehab coordination exercises focused on improving motor control of all of the hip muscles will be crucial. 

End Stage Rehab will consist of high force/velocity drills challenging the hip flexor as similarly to sport as possible to ensure the athlete is ready to return to play

In the video, 3DPT West Berlin’s Dr. Benjamin Harris demonstrates these types of exercises for hip flexor strains.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7xBPaA3eys&t=1s

Prevalence:

Hip flexor strains are relatively prevalent, with various factors contributing to their occurrence:

• Sports and Exercise: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts engaged in activities that involve repetitive hip flexion movements are at a higher risk. This includes sports like football, soccer,  running, and dancing.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: On the other end of the spectrum, individuals leading sedentary lifestyles can also experience hip flexor strains. Prolonged sitting and lack of regular stretching can lead to tight hip flexor muscles, making them more susceptible to injury.
• Age: As individuals age, their muscles and tendons may become less flexible and more prone to injury, increasing the likelihood of hip flexor strains.

Symptoms:

Recognizing the symptoms of a hip flexor strain is essential for prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. Here are the typical signs and symptoms:

• Pain: The most common symptom is pain in the front of the hip or the upper thigh. This pain may range from mild to severe and can be sharp or a dull ache.
• Swelling: In some cases, swelling may occur around the injured area.
• Tenderness: The affected hip flexor muscles may become tender to the touch, especially when pressure is applied.
• Weakness: Individuals with a hip flexor strain may experience weakness in the affected leg, making it challenging to lift the knee or perform activities that involve hip flexion.
• Limited Range of Motion: Reduced flexibility and difficulty in moving the hip or lifting the knee are common complaints.

Physiology:

Understanding the physiology behind hip flexor strains can help individuals prevent and manage these injuries:

• Muscle Overuse or Overstretching: Hip flexor strains often occur when the muscles are stretched beyond their normal range of motion or subjected to repetitive stress. This can happen during activities that require sudden bursts of speed or excessive hip flexion.
• Tendon and Muscle Tear: A hip flexor strain typically involves a partial tear or stretching of the muscles or tendons responsible for flexing the hip joint. This tearing leads to pain and inflammation.
• Biomechanics: Poor posture, muscle imbalances, or abnormalities in hip alignment can increase the risk of hip flexor strains. These issues alter the mechanics of the hip joint, putting extra stress on the muscles.
• Inadequate Warm-up: Failing to properly warm up before engaging in strenuous activities can increase the likelihood of hip flexor strains. Cold muscles are less flexible and more susceptible to injury.

As the Commanders prepare for another critical game without Seibert, his continued absence adds another layer of complication to a special teams unit already dealing with challenges. Kickers, in particular, rely heavily on their hips for both power and accuracy, and any lingering issues with the hip flexors can significantly impair their ability to perform. If Seibert is unable to return to practice and regain full function of his hip before Thursday, it would mean a second straight missed game and potentially force Washington to turn to a backup kicker, further disrupting the team’s rhythm on special teams. With the added uncertainty surrounding long snapper Tyler Ott, who was recently added to the injury report due to illness, the Commanders will be hoping to avoid further complications as they prepare for the high-stakes matchup against their NFC East rivals.