Kiko Alonso has not played his final down of 2015.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that, following a second opinion, the ACL in Alonso's left knee was deemed intact. He is likely to return to the Eagles' lineup after a month of rehab, according to a source informed of the situation.
The Eagles linebacker traveled to Florida to meet with famed orthopedist James Andrews, who provided clarity on the severity of the injury Alonso suffered in Philadelphia's Week 2 loss to the Cowboys. Andrews suggested that Alonso undergo arthroscopic knee surgery to see what was in there and make his diagnosis, Rapoport added.
The Eagles initially feared that Alonso had suffered a season-ending injury. It is the same left ACL that was surgically repaired following a complete tear in the summer of 2014. Alonso also tore his right ACL in college and underwent hip surgery earlier in 2014.
This is obviously tremendous news for Alonso, though his mounting health woes are certainly discouraging. Alonso came to the Eagles in the trade that sent LeSean McCoy to the Bills on the eve of free agency.
Alonso had not been starting prior to the injury -- Mychal Kendricks and DeMeco Ryans are in those roles at inside linebacker -- but he was getting significant playing time in nickel situations -- he still might.
