He said that he could be back in a few days or a few weeks..........will get some additional 2nd opinions.
This makes me think that the 2nd opinions are to determine whether to take a non-surgical vs surgical approach. In other words, I believe that the MRI may have already identified a subtotal tear or complete tear/avulsion of the distal hamstring tendon (or the PCL). With a distal hamstring avulsion, there has been controversy whether to surgically repair or not.
Most hamstring tears/avulsions occur more proximal as in this illustration.
(See my previous post showing the distal hamstring tendon attachments.)
One study published in the past few years reported on elite athletes with this type of injury. They found that in the
nonoperative treatment group (12), 7 players recovered at an average of
10.4 weeks (range, 3-35). Five of these players
(42%) failed initial nonoperative treatment (mean, 16.8 weeks) and
subsequently had surgery to resect the torn tendon and surrounding scar tissue. These 5 players recovered at an average of
12.8 weeks postoperatively. In the acute [immediate] surgery group, 5 players had surgery to resect the torn tendon and scar tissue within 4 weeks of injury. The
acute-phase group had an average recovery of
6.8 weeks after surgery.
I believe that this is possibly the dilemma facing AJ and the organization. Making a decision that at least gets him back before the end of the season or playoffs.
Again, let me emphasize that I have no access to the findings, physical or radiological. But if this were just a straight forward "minor" hamstring problems, I don't believe that there would be need for several 2nd opinions.
Let me leave you with this article that appeared after an MRI was obtained in 2007 following AJ's PCL/MCL injury. You might want to compare some of the wording.
Sprained knee may keep Johnson out vs. Colts
By Megan Manfull - Houston Chronicle
Andre Johnson, who hurt his left knee Sunday against the Carolina Panthers, is doubtful to play for the Texans when the team plays the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Reliant Stadium. The Texans had an MRI done on Johnson's knee Monday morning and it revealed a sprain.
"I would say that he is doubtful for that football game," Kubiak said. "We'll know more in the next couple of days. There was no swelling, but there's definitely a sprain there. It's a concern right now."
The initial diagnosis was that Johnson had strained his posterior cruciate ligament. He hurt it during a big hit that followed his last catch a 10-yard grab with 11:58 to go in the game.
"He has a knee sprain," Kubiak said. "That's the good news and the bad news. We feel fortunate. Andre is going to be fine. Is he going to be fine in one week? Or is he going to be fine in four weeks? We're still in the evaluation stage. We don't know."
Johnson currently ranks fourth in the league with 262 receiving yards on 14 catches. The next most productive receiver on the team is rookie Jacoby Jones with 33 receiving yards on two catches. Kevin Walter has two catches for 17 yards.
If Johnson can't go on Sunday, Andre' Davis will be activated.
AJ ending up missing 7 games..........