Thursday, February 16, 2012

Slauson had extensive surgery, expected for camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Matt Slauson was pretty good as a second-year starter in 2011. It's possible he could've been even better.

The Jets' third-year left guard started every game despite having a torn labrum, rotator cuff and biceps.

"I knew something was wrong, but I was like, 'OK, I'll keep on playing as long as I can play,' and I was able to get through it all," Slauson said Thursday, according to Star-Ledger reporter Jenny Vrentas.

Slauson had surgery immediately after the season ended, but his recovery time could stretch into August, which means he won't participate in the physical aspects of the offensive line's minicamps.

Slauson will have a little catching up to do with offensive line guru Tony Sparano taking over as offensive coordinator. However, Slauson should be just fine. After a slow start to the beginning of 2010, Slauson improved by the week and was better than solid in 2011, especially considering the pain he played with.

"I felt like I had a fairly successful year personally with it," Slauson said. "So I'm really excited about next year without having pain."

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