There are two truths regarding pro athletes who require surgery: (1) the procedure is always a success; and (2) the rehab is always ahead of schedule.
Until, of course, either one isn’t.
According to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, an MRI conducted on the surgically-repaired knee of cornerback Darrelle Revis reveals that he is “ahead of schedule” in his efforts to recover from a torn ACL suffered in September -- nearly seven months ago. He has now been cleared to run, without restriction.
As Sal Paolantonio of ESPN surmised on the air, the information likely came from the Revis camp, to help push forward sputtering trade talks that could result in Revis getting the long-term deal he covets.
Still, trading for Revis carries a risk, whether his destination is Tampa or some other city that emerges as the process lags. As former Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth told PFT Live in the days before Super Bowl XLVII, the potential issue with a new ACL isn’t running in a straight line by cutting and changing directions.
MRI images that show a healing knee doesn’t mean Revis will be the same on a football field. We’ll only know if he’s the same on the football field when he gets there.