Hatcher to have Knee Surgery; Will Miss 4-6 Weeks
The newly signed Washington Redskin Jason Hatcher decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery today to clean up issues with the cartilage in his left knee. The defensive lineman is expected to miss 4-6 weeks and should bring him back around the start of training camp which begins on July 24.
Hatcher, who turns 32 in July, was given a four year deal worth 10.5 million guaranteed to help improve the lack of interior pass rush on the Washington defense. Hatcher recorded a career high eleven sacks last season for the rival Dallas Cowboys including three against the Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Hatcher made a statement prior to his surgery that said “It’s just cartilage floating around. Nothing Major. I’ll be ready for training camp. They thought it best for me to do it if I don’t want to be struggling through the season and be full strength. If I’m better, our defense is better”
The Redskins are hoping this is just a precautionary surgery and will not prove to be a long term problem for the aging Hatcher. The Washington organization has had history of signing older players to larger contracts that hurt the team’s salary cap in the long run however Hatcher every year since 2011 has improved drastically and appears poised for a big season along with successful seasons to come. The biggest thing for Hatcher is staying healthy if he wishes to live up to his contract.
