Dr. James Andrews says Brady is getting better

Oct 24, 2008 - 3:54 PM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has undergone three surgeries on his left knee, appears to be on target to make a full recovery, according to a published report Friday.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the renowned Dr. James Andrews, who was consulted by Brady's surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, said the two-time Super Bowl MVP is responding to antibiotics and that doctors are confident the quarterback's recovery timetable for his ligament graft has not been compromised.

"What I gather from talking to Neal today is that Tom's getting better, and what has been done is getting him well," said Andrews, widely considered the country's pre-eminent sports orthopedist.

"Optimistically, once you get this under control and you can save that graft and win the infection battle - which apparently from what I gather he is winning -- once the healing process catches back up, it really doesn't set him behind to any degree relative to the overall healing process. The main thing is to save the graft."

Brady, who threw for a single-season record 50 touchdowns in 2007, suffered a torn MCL and ACL the season opener against Kansas City on September 7.

Brady underwent his first surgery October 6, but has had two more surgeries since to battle an infection, putting into doubt if he would able to recover in time for the 2009 season.

ESPN, citing unnamed sources, reported the Patriots were upset because they wanted Brady's surgery done by doctors of their choosing. The club strongly denied the report.