HAYES’ LONG ROAD BACK
When starting middle linebacker Gerald Hayes underwent surgery last year to repair what was thought to be a meniscus tear of his left knee, the operation wasn’t so simple.
Hayes said doctors also found a partial tear of his anterior cruciate ligament. He still doesn’t know if the ACL tear was already there or if he suffered it at the same time as the meniscus injury, against Dallas in the preseason.
Hayes said he may take the entire offseason to rehab, aiming for a return at the beginning of training camp. James Darling currently is the starter in the middle.
“Right now, it's all about getting back healthy,” Hayes said, hesitant to talk about possibly earning a starting job again.