New England Patriots: Logan Mankins Undergoes Surgery to Repair Torn ACL

New England Patriots offensive guard Logan Mankins underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in the weeks following the team's loss against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss. 

Mankins injured his left knee in New England's Week 16 victory against the Miami Dolphins in what was later reported as a sprained MCL. Apparently there was some damage to the ACL as well. 

According to Reiss' report, Mankins was hit early in the Super Bowl and some suspect that's when he actually tore his ACL but continued to play the rest of the game with the tear. 

Now that we have knowledge of Mankins' injury, perhaps the signing of offensive guard Robert Gallery was not only to add some depth to New England's offensive line, but to add a possible starter if Mankins is unable to go by the start of the regular season.

It's expected that Mankins will not participate in any of the spring activities with the Patriots, and I can only assume that his status for training camp will be questionable. 

Entering the 2012 NFL draft, the Patriots actually have some huge question marks on their offensive line. Not only are the Pats unsure of Mankins' health, but the future of Matt Light is up in the air as well (along with Brian Waters and Dan Koppen).

I wouldn't be surprised if the Patriots feel the need to add some more depth on their offensive line as we move deep into the 2012 offseason. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus.