RGIII Has Knee Surgically Repaired In Florida
PENSACOLA (CBSMiami) – Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had successful knee surgery early Wednesday morning to repair two ligaments he damaged last weekend. Griffin's operation was performed by the world-renowned orthopedist, Dr. James Andrews.
Griffin's surgery required Dr. Andrews to repair a torn lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his right knee and repair damage found to Griffin's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). RGIII's exact condition hasn't been announced by the Washington Redskins as of Wednesday afternoon.
Griffin reinjured his knee at least twice in last Sunday's playoff loss. Griffin had previously sprained his LCL in December, but in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, RGIII suffered an early injury that hobbled him before finally having his knee collapse late in the game.
RGIII had previously torn his ACL in the same knee in the third game of the 2009 season while playing in college for the Baylor Bears. Griffin missed the entire 2009 season and came back the next season before winning the Heisman Trophy in 2011 and becoming the number two overall pick in the 2012 Draft.
The recovery time for an athlete suffering damage to the ACL and LCL can vary, but generally takes around nine to 12 months. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson came back to the NFL eight months after tearing his ACL and nearly broke the single-season rushing record in 2012.
The determination and spirit Griffin III exhibits both on and off the field will likely speed up his recovery time according to experts who deal with these types of injuries.
While RGIII may be limited to a degree in his mobility when he returns; unlike other mobile quarterbacks, RGIII is a very accurate passer with an equally strong arm.
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