NFL Network's Adam Schefter reported that Browns center LeCharles Bentley is contemplating another surgery on his reconstructed left knee -- one that would sideline him for the 2007 season. Bentley underwent surgery on July 28 to repair a torn patellar tendon suffered on the first contact drill of camp. He then had a staph infection surgically removed and lost at least 10 pounds. The Browns declined to comment on the report.
Last edited by J2thez929 on Mon Dec 18, 2006 4:24 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Browns center LeCharles Bentley (injured reserve, torn patellar tendon) recently underwent a second surgery to clean out his knee.
A staph infection suffered by Bentley after his initial surgery reportedly deteriorated his "new tendon" to the point where he will need yet another procedure, but can't have it now because his body isn't ready. When he is ready for the next surgery, Bentley's 12-month rehab will start from scratch. He appears all but certain to miss half or all of 2007.
Here's the latest. Looks like he's having the surgery.
Browns' Bentley might miss another season NFL.com wire reports
BEREA, Ohio (Feb. 20, 2007) -- Browns center LeCharles Bentley will likely undergo more surgery on a serious knee injury that cost him last season, is jeopardizing another and could end his NFL career.
Cleveland general manager Phil Savage said Bentley is considering a third operation to repair the left patellar tendon he tore on the first full-contact play of training camp last summer.
"If he does elect to have the surgery, then obviously he won't be here for 2007 as an active player," said Savage, adding "it's more likely he will have surgery."
A two-time Pro Bowl selection in New Orleans, Bentley signed a six-year free-agent contract in March to play for the Browns, his hometown team. But he had his first season in Cleveland end freakishly.
While blocking on a running play on July 27, Bentley tore his tendon planting his foot and before any contact. Following surgery, he got a staph infection, which caused further damage to his tendon.
Bentley needed a second operation one month after the first to clean out the infection and fix the damage it caused to his tendon. He was hospitalized for more than one month at the Cleveland Clinic.
Savage said even if Bentley has an upcoming surgery and can't play in '07, the team will carry him on its roster and reassess his condition next year.
Savage also offered the possibility Bentley might not play again.
"We certainly owe LeCharles an opportunity to see where he's going to be," he said. "This time next year, I think we'll have a much clearer picture in terms if he is really a legitimate piece of the puzzle here, or has the injury been so devastating that he may never play again.
"That's something we'll know clearly this time a year from now."
Savage said the club is preparing for free agency and the college draft with the idea Bentley will not be back.
"If we get LeCharles back this year, we would consider that a bonus," he said. "Right now our plans would have to be that he's probably not going to be here in '07."
Savage acknowledged the staph infection was a setback to Bentley's recovery, but the severe nature of his initial injury made it possible that the 27-year-old would need multiple surgeries before playing again.
Bentley is currently in Arizona recovering and rehabbing his knee. In December, he was asked if he would play again.
"Why wouldn't I?" he said.
Bentley's loss was devastating to the Browns, who went 4-12 last season. Without him, their offensive line not only lost its best player, but Cleveland was dealt another blow when his backup, Bob Hallen, retired unexpectedly.
The club went through five centers in camp before acquiring Hank Fraley in a trade with Philadelphia. Fraley, who started 16 games, is an unrestricted free agent and Savage said the club has had talks with him about re-signing.
"We've had some discussions with him and we'll see," Savage said. "I think Hank wanted to come back and we're going to do our best to bring him back."
Bentley is one of several Browns players to suffer post-surgery infections during the past two years. The rash of staph cases has prompted the club to thoroughly examine its medical practices.
Later this week, the team's headquarters will be vacated so a special antiseptic spray can be applied to help combat staph, a highly contagious virus.
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by J2thez929 » Fri Dec 08, 2006 10:26 am 
