Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell underwent a diagnostic arthroscopy this morning which revealed partial tears of the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) as well as a tear of the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his right knee. The ACL was mostly intact and slightly stretched. No further surgery is expected on the knee. At this time Brunell is expected to return to play in approximately eight weeks.
"I want to say thank you to everyone for their prayers and support," Brunell said following the procedure. "I'm looking forward to getting back and competing and continue the season with the team. This is great news and it is truly a blessing."
Once he returns to action, Brunell will finish out the season wearing an ACL brace, said head team physician Dr. Stephen Lucie. The quarterback has already begun rehabilitation in the Jaguars' facilities at ALLTEL Stadium with the team's training staff and physicians.
"This is good news for us," said Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin. "The team had a great feeling of happiness and relief. The knowledge that Mark will rehab and return is certainly a great blessing for our football team. Mark's
rehab will be a long and tedious affair. As soon as he is strong enough to defend himself and has an opportunity to prepare himself properly, we'll bring him back."
The arthroscopic procedure was performed by Lucie and associate team physician Dr. Carlos Tandron at Jacksonville Orthopaedic Insititute surgery center, which is affiliated with Baptist Medical Center.
