If you watch the NFL or SportsCenter, you have probably heard/seen the injury to Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker yesterday. During the 1st quarter, after making a catch, Welker planted his left foot into the turf and attempted to cut to avoid a defender (see link below). When he did this, a large valgus and rotational force was applied to his knee, causing excessive stress on the medial and anterior side of his left knee, resulting in a tear of both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He also likley injured his medial meniscus, which along with the MCL and ACL comprises the "unhappy triad" of the knee. He will need surgery to repair the damaged ligaments and likely damaged meniscus, and the rehabiliation from this type of injury will be lengthier than a typical ACL reconstruction due to the multiple structures involved. His return for next season will depend on many factors, such as how his body responds to the surgery, potential setbacks during rehabiliation, and getting back into playing condition. Hopefully he will be able to make a complete recovery but this will defnitley increase the debate about resting players for the playoffs.Wes Welker Injury Video
