Patriots guard Logan Mankins told Boston sports radio WEEI that he only injured his knee once during the 2011 season, and it occurred during a Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Mankins tore his ACL at that time, which Mankins was asked about on Monday morning.

"I'm assuming it is," Mankins replied when asked if that was indeed the case. "It's not the ideal situation to go out there, but that was the only time that I injured my knee last year, so it had to be the day. I don't really want to get into that stuff."

Given the severity of a torn ACL and typical recovery time associated with the injury, it was an amazing feat that Mankins was able to continue to play, missing just one game at the end of the season.

The All-Pro guard didn't see his effort as quite as extraordinary, but emphasized that he is committed to being on the field with his teammates whenever possible.

"There's guys across the league playing hurt all the time, so I don't think I'm nothing special," he said. "I'm a football player. If I get hurt and I can still be out there, I'm going to be out there for my teammates. Last year was the first game that I missed due to injury at the end of the year, and theres nothing worse than watching your guys out there. I don't want to miss one play, let alone a game, so I'm going to do what it takes to be out there."