If you’re like most fantasy owners of CJ Anderson, or just an avid Denver Bronco fan like myself, you’ve probably been scrolling through the internet trying to find out whether the super bowl champs are going to lose their lead back. Many of you are recalling that Big Ben Roethlisberger has a similar injury and his prognosis for return is good! Let’s delve into why there is not enough information yet to determine if this is a season ending injury.

There is a largely over-used term when the media reports on surgical intervention and that term is “repair.” When it comes to a meniscus injury, the misuse of this word can mean the difference between a 4 week recovery and a season ending injury. The meniscus is the pad between the thigh bone (your femur) and your shin bone (your tibia). It provides cushion and support to the knee as it bends and turns. When a meniscus is torn, there are usually two options: You “clean” it out or you repair it.

torn meniscus diagram

When it is cleaned out, the part that is torn is removed from your knee. With the painful and defective tissue gone you are free to start rehabilitation almost immediately. When the meniscus is repaired, it is sewn back together. Putting any weight down through your knee is usually against the surgeon’s orders for the first 4-6 weeks. Once you can begin weight bearing you have a lot of strength to make up for that you’ve lost in the past few weeks and return this regular season would be unlikely.

          The decision is up to the player, the team, and the surgeon. One factor that may play a key role in the decision is the location of the tear and the severity. Small tear along the outer rim of the meniscus may be easy to just cut away, while a large tear right down the middle may indicate a repair. This way Mr. Anderson can have a good knee past his fantasy playing days. I for one am betting on plenty of productivity from Devontae Booker.