Wide receiver recovering from cartilage procedure Aaron Wilson
University of Missouri wide receiver Danario Alexander is making steady progress following his surgery to repair a small piece of cartilage in his left knee.
The 6-foot-5, 215-pounder anticipates being full speed with no restrictions by June or July with a time table of being ready to practice by an NFL training camp.
Overall, the knee is stable and the meniscus cartilage is intact.
"It's bad timing, but it could have been worse," Alexander told National Football Post in a telephone interview. "I had a small defect in my cartilage and they filled it in with a piece of cartilage from the back of my knee. It took two small pieces to plug it in. It was a good surgery."
Alexander, who has previously torn his left anterior cruciate ligament twice, injured his knee at the Senior Bowl when he was stuck by another player's cleats during a pass pattern.
Dr. John Uribe, who's based in Coral Gables, Fla., performed Alexander's surgery.
Uribe has previously operated on other current NFL players such as Willis McGahee, Jonathan Vilma and Edgerrin James. Through Alexander's agents, he has sent a letter to all 32 teams stating that Alexander will be ready by training camp.
"I started walking this week," Alexander said. "It's all starting to come back. I'm doing pool workouts so I can be more mobile and the water takes the pressure off of the knee."
The second-team All-American and All-Big 12 selection is keeping a positive attitude despite the setback.
"Of course, I want to show everybody what I can do as far as 40 times and vertical leap and everything," Alexander said. "I look forward to showing everybody what I can do once I'm fully healthy."
That won't be until after the NFL draft, though, which will affect Alexander's stock even though he caught 113 passes last season for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
"What I'm going through makes me appreciate the game even more," Alexander said. "I know at any time that it can be over. One small injury can possibly ruin your career, but I know I'll come back stronger than ever.
"I believe I'm the most complete receiver in the draft and there's nothing I can't do for a team. I'm a hard worker and I believe in myself, and that's the most important thing."
Despite his history of injuries, Alexander caught 191 career passes for 2,778 yards and 22 touchdowns at Mizzou.
He has been projected as a middle to later-round draft target.
Alexander said the Philadelphia Eagles are going to visit with him soon for an interview and film session.
"I'm looking forward to that," Alexander said. "You get a chance to talk to them and show them what you know about the game. I just need a team to believe in me and give me a chance. Whoever drafts me, they won't be sorry."
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I am glad to hear that he is doing better after his surgery. I always thought he was a great player and I wish him the best success over the following years.
His stats speak for themselfs
ften it takes a year, but you get a stud for a low football price.
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Mar 20, 2010
10:00 PM
Some of the biggest steals in the draft are players who have been injured in college late in their careers but medically look to heal completely. Often it takes a year, but you get a stud for a low football price. CB Walter Thurmond could be another one, as could Eric Decker.