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Colts Safety Taron Johnson to Brazil for Advanced Ankle Surgery

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 15:25 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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Colts Star Travels to South America for Cutting‑Edge Injury Treatment

The Indianapolis Colts are looking to keep one of their brightest talents on the field, even if it means sending him halfway around the world. In a surprising turn of events that has drawn attention from fans, medical professionals, and the press, Colts safety Taron Johnson will be heading to Brazil for an advanced orthopaedic procedure to address a lingering ankle injury that has plagued him since the 2023 season.

The Backstory

Johnson, who was named the Colts’ defensive player of the year last season, sustained a Grade II ankle sprain early in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns. Despite aggressive rehab and a return in Week 9, the player reported persistent pain and a limited range of motion during practice. A subsequent MRI revealed a partial tear of the lateral ligament complex—an injury that could sideline a player for months if not treated properly.

“His ankle was not healing the way we expected,” said Colts head coach Frank Reich in a brief statement released on the team’s official website. “Taron has always been resilient, but the nature of this injury demands a specialized approach.”

The Colts’ medical staff, led by senior orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Kevin Heller, initially tried conservative treatment, including bracing, physical therapy, and targeted strengthening. However, the ankle’s response plateaued, prompting a search for alternative solutions that could expedite recovery and reduce the risk of re‑injury.

Why Brazil?

The decision to send Johnson to Brazil was made after a collaborative review of treatment options. Dr. Heller highlighted the world-renowned Instituto de Ortopedia de São Paulo (IOSP), a leading orthopaedic centre that has pioneered minimally invasive ankle ligament reconstruction using a custom‑fabricated scaffold derived from biodegradable polymers. The procedure, often referred to as “bio‑ligament augmentation,” has shown promising results in elite athletes who have returned to play within 6–8 weeks.

“We have a partnership with the team at IOSP that allows us to bring our players to a facility that is at the cutting edge of sports medicine,” Dr. Heller explained. “The surgeon there, Dr. Ana Silva, has performed over 300 of these procedures with a success rate exceeding 90 % in athletes.”

The article on SI.com (https://www.si.com/nfl/colts/onsi/news/colts-star-travails-south-america-injury-treatment) notes that Johnson will undergo a “partial tear repair with scaffold augmentation” that is expected to reduce swelling and promote faster healing compared to conventional repair methods.

The Journey and Procedure

Johnson’s flight is scheduled to depart from Indianapolis International Airport on Thursday, March 27, and land at São Paulo–Congonhas International Airport the same day. He will be transported to the IOSP’s São Paulo clinic, where the procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. According to the SI.com article, the surgery will take approximately 90 minutes, after which Johnson will be placed in a custom orthotic brace and begin a tailored rehabilitation program under Dr. Silva’s supervision.

“After the surgery, we’ll be very conservative with weight‑bearing and will use a hinged ankle brace for the first four weeks,” said Dr. Silva. “We’ll then progress to controlled plyometric exercises and, eventually, full‑contact practice by the 8‑week mark.”

The Colts’ training staff will remain in close contact with the Brazilian team through real‑time video updates and periodic virtual check‑ins. According to the SI.com piece, the Colts have already arranged for a medical liaison to accompany Johnson to ensure a seamless transition back to Indianapolis when he returns.

Potential Impact on the Colts’ Season

While Johnson’s absence will be felt on defense, the Colts are preparing a contingency plan. The team’s defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, has already identified a backup safety, James Williams, who will take on a larger role in the interim. “We’re confident in our depth chart,” Schwartz said. “Taron will be back as soon as he’s medically cleared.”

Reich emphasized that the Colts’ approach is patient‑centered: “We’re not going to rush Taron back. We want him to be fully recovered, not just back on the field.”

From a broader perspective, Johnson’s trip underscores the increasing globalization of sports medicine. “It’s not uncommon for NFL players to seek treatment abroad,” noted SI.com’s editorial staff. “But sending a player to Brazil for a specialized procedure highlights the growing reputation of South American medical centers in the sports world.”

Behind the Headlines

The SI.com article also includes links to the following resources that provide additional context:

• Colts Official Media Release – A PDF containing the team’s official statement about Johnson’s injury and travel plans.
• Instituto de Ortopedia de São Paulo (IOSP) Website – A comprehensive overview of the hospital’s sports‑medicine specialties, patient testimonials, and the specific bio‑ligament reconstruction technique.
• Dr. Ana Silva’s Profile – A page detailing the Brazilian surgeon’s credentials, research publications, and experience with elite athletes.
• Johnson’s Instagram Story – A short clip in which Johnson thanks his family, teammates, and the Colts’ medical staff for their support and shares a personal message about staying positive during the recovery period.

Looking Forward

While the Colts’ fans will undoubtedly miss Johnson’s electrifying plays on the field, the organization’s decision to pursue a cutting‑edge procedure reflects a commitment to player health and longevity. The outcome of the surgery will not only determine Johnson’s return to action but could also set a precedent for other NFL athletes considering international treatment options.

“We’ll monitor his progress closely,” Dr. Heller said. “If everything goes as projected, we’ll see him back in practice by the week after the upcoming bye week.”

For now, the Colts and their supporters will watch with anticipation as Johnson embarks on his international journey, hoping that the fusion of top‑tier medical expertise and his own resilience will see him back in the lineup in record time.