Sources: TU's G.J. Kinne has Grade II MCL tear, expected to be out 2-4 weeks
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Sunday, September 18, 2011
9/18/11 at 8:04 PM
Tulsa quarterback G.J. Kinne is believed to have suffered a Grade II MCL tear on his left knee in Sunday morning’s 59-33 loss to Oklahoma State, the Tulsa World has learned through sources.
Rehabilitation time for this type of injury can range anywhere from 2-4 weeks, but some may take longer to heal, according to Keith Stanley, sports medicine physician at Tulsa Bone and Joint Associates.
“(After 2-4 weeks), you can heal enough where you can put someone in a brace and play them safely,” Stanley said. “You still have to be reevaluated because people heal at different rates. It can be two weeks or four weeks. Occasionally, it will take longer.”
A Grade II MCL tear is considered an incomplete tear of the knee ligament. Surgery typically is not needed.
TU officials said Kinne is officially day-to-day. The program, per policy, typically does not release information on injuries unless they are season-ending.
Kinne’s injury occurred after a 23-yard run on Tulsa’s third possession. Kinne was hit out of bounds on the Tulsa sideline by OSU’s Daytawion Lowe, who drew a 15-yard personal foul. Kinne landed awkwardly on his knee and immediately went to the TU locker room.
Tulsa’s upcoming games include Saturday’s trip to No. 4 Boise State and an Oct. 1 visit from North Texas. The Golden Hurricane is off on Oct. 8 before returning to Conference USA play on Oct. 15 with a home game against UAB.
Kinne’s injury thrusts Kalen Henderson into the starting role. Tulsa coach Bill Blankenship said preparing Henderson for any future action would begin Sunday night.
“You always talk to the quarterbacks and the backups and try to prepare as if you are one play away,” Blankenship said immediately after the OSU loss. “That’s why we always try to be as ready as we can.
“But I promise you Kalen will be getting in the film room and meeting with (quarterbacks coach Press Taylor) and myself. He’ll be ready.”
