The Falcons are optimistic that defensive end Adrian Clayborn can return during the early part of window from his knee surgery.
Clayborn has partially torn his meniscus. The Falcons hope that he misses just three weeks.
“Typically, with a small tear, it’s probably about anywhere four to six weeks,” said Luga Podesta, a doctor and director of sports medicine at St. Charles Orthopedics in New York and former training camp medical consultant to Cowboys and Saints. “If he has it done now, he should be able to get back for the playoffs for sure.”
However, the Falcons are aggressively aiming for the Saints game. Earlier this season, they brought back linebacker De’Vondre Campbell during the early part of a four to six week window after he suffered a high ankle sprain before the second game of the season.
He’s just now starting to run well and show his speed.
Clayborn will be able to start his immediately.
“He’s moving it pretty much right after the surgery,” Podesta said. “They’ll give it a couple of days and let the inflammation go down. He’ll probably be on crutches for the first couple of days. Then it’s just really progressing his activity as the surgical wounds heal, the swelling goes out of his knee and it’s really about starting to regain his range of motion.”
Clayborn must then regain his strength and flexibility in the knee.
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