Denny Hamlin walks pit row after qualifying Friday, Aug. 14, 2015, for the NASCAR Sprint Cup series auto race at Michigan International Speedway,in Brooklyn, Mich. Kenseth won the pole. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Denny Hamlin Injury: Updates on NASCAR Driver's Knee and Recovery

Matt FitzgeraldSep 9, 2015

NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin tore his ACL on Tuesday evening but will continue driving for the remainder of the 2015 Sprint Cup season.

Continue for updates.

TOP NEWS

Hamlin's Status Improving

Friday, Sept. 18

The Associated Press, via USA Today, reported Hamlin is off crutches, has started physical therapy and hopes to no longer need a knee brace as the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship begins Sunday.

Fox Sports' Alan Cavanna reported the unfortunate news about Hamlin—and passed along a statement from Joe Gibbs Racing:

Despite the injury, Hamlin has been cleared to race Saturday night at Richmond, according to Daniel McFadin of NASCAR Talk.

Jeff Gluck of USA Today noted how the hardwood has given Hamlin trouble in the past:

Hamlin may need to find a different recreational athletic activity away from the track. Although the injury won't impact his ability to be in the No. 11 car, his knee may be a source of swelling and pain as he sits for multiple hours on race days.

He is currently 11th on the Chase grid—last among automatic qualifiers with one win on the season.

If 2010 is any indication, perhaps Hamlin fans shouldn't be worried. After tearing his ACL in January of that year, he underwent surgery to prevent further damage in March, proceeded to finish the year and wound up a career-best second in the Sprint Cup standings on the strength of eight wins.