HAWTHORN forward Jon Patton has dodged his worst fears with scans confirming he had avoided a ruptured Achilles.
The injury-plagued former Giant limped from the ground in the Hawks' loss to Essendon on Thursday night with fears he would be sidelined for a significant period.
However, scans on Friday revealed Patton had torn his plantaris tendon in his right leg above his Achilles tendon.
It's an injury that will all but rule him out for the remainder of 2020.
"We are pleased for Jon that scans have revealed no damage to his achilles," Hawks head of football Graham Wright said.
"Although any injury is not ideal, this one leaves the window open for Jon to make a recovery in time for a return to football this season.
"It's a relief for Jon and the club and we have no doubt he will do everything possible to get himself back on the park as quick as possible."
It follows a significant hamstring injury sustained in July that ruled the 27-year-old out for six weeks.
Patton joined the Hawks ahead of 2020 on a three-year deal that expires at the end of 2022.
