Redskins Griffin undergoes knee surgery

WASHINGTON (AFP) –

Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins reacts during their NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedExField on January 6, 2013 in Landover, Maryland. Griffin underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair ligament tears in his right knee

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair ligament tears in his right knee.

Doctors operated on both his lateral collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments and Griffin is expected to undergo an extensive rehab programme in an attempt to be ready to play next season.

Team doctors said the operation on the 2012 number two overall draft pick was a success.

“Robert Griffin III had successful knee surgery early this morning,” doctor James Andrews said. “He had a direct repair of his LCL and a re-do of his previous ACL reconstruction.

“We expect a full recovery and it is everybody’s hope and belief that due to Robert’s high motivation, he will be ready for the 2013 season.”

The 22-year-old Griffin sprained his lateral collateral ligament in a win over the Baltimore Ravens last month and missed one game because of the injury.

He returned to help lead the Redskins to their first NFC East title since 1999.

The former Heisman Trophy winner then re-injured his knee during last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC wild card game.