Report: Griffin III has reconstructive knee surgery
Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III underwent reconstructive surgery Wednesday on his right knee to repair torn lateral and anterior cruciate ligaments, according to multiple reports.
Noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews performed the surgery in Pensacola, Fla. Sources told ESPN.com that Andrews believed Griffin would be recovered in time for the 2013 season opener.
Total reconstruction, which was completed Wednesday afternoon, was deemed necessary after Andrews discovered a complete tear of the patellar graft that was used to repair the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner's torn ACL at Baylor in 2009.
USA Today received a text from Griffin's father, Robert Griffin II, explaining the extent of the injury. "Robert's ACL is intact, but not enough for his profession," he said. "You and I could be fine. But he is an athlete. So they will replace."
Griffin reinjured the knee in the first quarter of Sunday's wild-card playoff loss to Seattle but stayed in the game despite being clearly impacted, raising questions about whether he should have continued to play.
The 2012 No. 2 overall draft pick had sprained the LCL in December during a game against Baltimore and sat out the following week against Cleveland but returned to finish the regular season playing with a knee brace that limited his mobility.
The Redskins have not made a formal announcement regarding Griffin's condition or his prognosis.
A torn LCL is less severe and normally necessitates a recovery period of several months as opposed to the more serious ACL surgery that usually involves a year of rehabilitation. For a surgery of Griffin's nature, projected recovery is six to eight months, according to medical experts.
Before going into surgery, an upbeat Griffin tweeted, "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."
