Sources: RG III may be ready for '13

Updated: January 9, 2013, 3:04 PM ET
By Chris Mortensen | ESPN

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had total reconstructive surgery of his right knee early Wednesday morning to repair torn anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments, but he is expected to be ready for the opener of the 2013 NFL regular season, according to team sources familiar with the determination made by orthopedic specialist Dr. James Andrews.

SportsNation: Griffin's Surgery

SportsNationRobert Griffin III will need surgery on his ACL and LCL, but he'll likely be back for the start of next season. Does Griffin need to change the way he plays to stay healthy?
• Cast your votes!

The surgery was completed by Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple reports.

The torn ACL was diagnosed late Tuesday as a complete tear of the patella graft that was used to repair Griffin's torn ACL suffered at Baylor in 2009. A team source said Andrews likely will use a patella graft from Griffin's left knee to repair the most recent tear.

Griffin's recovery is projected at six to eight months, barring any setbacks, sources said. The rehabilitation plan will focus primarily on strengthening Griffin's quadriceps to help protect and help stabilize the knee, according to sources. The reconstruction of the LCL is considered a complication, but sources said Andrews informed the Redskins it should rehab well during the same six-to-eight-month time frame as the ACL injury.

Under this projected time frame of surgery, recovery and rehab, Griffin should be able to participate at some level during training camp in August and be ready to open the season in September, according to the sources.

Mike and Mike in the Morning

ESPN's Dr. Michael Kaplan comments on Robert Griffin III's injury and whether Griffin III can come back stronger after tearing an ACL in his right knee for the second time.

More Podcasts »

Griffin thanked his fans for their support in a tweet Wednesday morning.

"Thank you for your prayers and support. I love God, my family, my team, the fans, & I love this game. See you guys next season," he wrote.

The NFL Network reported that, after looking at the game file, coach Mike Shanahan believes Griffin suffered his knee injury on the play before the errant snap where his knee gave out as he tried to plant his leg. On that penultimate play, Griffin was sacked by Seahawks defensive end Bruce Irvin.

Chris Mortensen

NFL reporter
  • ESPN Senior NFL Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 1991
  • Has covered every Super Bowl since 1979

SPONSORED HEADLINES

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

ESPN Conversations

comments

ALSO SEE