Knee Surgery Information

For the first time since being traded to the Dolphins last month, former Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper expressed some doubt that his surgically repaired knee will be strong enough for him to start the season.

“That’s my goal, but there really is no timeline on when I’m going to be 100 percent or ready to play,” Culpepper said Monday at team headquarters.

 ”That’s my personal goal, but I still have a good picture of the whole thing, and I’m real good with reality here, and I know that an injury like this is tough to come back from that quick.”

Culpepper tore three of his four major ligaments in his right knee Oct. 30. Dr. James Andrews performed surgery Nov. 15. A procedure of this type generally takes nine to 12 months to heal.

The final exhibition game against the Rams is Aug. 31, and the regular-season opener against the blitz-happy defending Super Bowl champion Steelers is a week later, nearly 10 months after his surgery.

“Normally, I’ve played in every preseason game, but with an injury like this, we’re going to be smart about it,” Culpepper said. “Things are looking good. I’m not going to rush myself or be un-smart about it. It’s a very sensitive injury.

“Only a couple of people have ever had it and came back from it, so I’m just glad to be making the progress I’m making.”

Culpepper said he has a meeting with Andrews this week in Birmingham, Ala., to discuss a training regimen to complement the Dolphins’ program.

Although Culpepper is throwing in drills, he’s mostly moving straight ahead with very little cutting. He is working primarily on strengthening the knee in the weight room.

“[Andrews] said to me jokingly and also seriously that he’s done this surgery 100 times and he doesn’t think he could do it any better,” Culpepper said. “I’m going to go at this thing full force and play the way I’ve always played with the same tenacity, the same eagerness to make plays either way, running or throwing.”
Knee Surgery News

Knee Surgery

Knee Surgery News