Fins' Surtain undergoes knee surgery

DAVIE, Fla. (AP) -- Miami Dolphins cornerback Patrick Surtain underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday for the third time in two years, but he's expected to be ready for the start of the regular season Sept. 7.

Former first-round draft pick Jamar Fletcher will replace Surtain in the lineup for Friday's opening preseason game against Tampa Bay.

Surtain, who played college football at Southern Mississippi, earned a Pro Bowl berth for the first time in 2002 even though his knee bothered him most of the season. He sprained it last September and missed two games, ending his streak of 66 consecutive games played.

"I haven't felt like myself since all of last season when I played with this injury," he said.

Surtain also had arthroscopic surgery on the knee two years ago this week, and again during this past offseason. There's a chance he could return before the end of the preseason.

"He'll get in here Wednesday and start rehabbing," head coach Dave Wannstedt said. "We'll take it as a week-to-week thing and get him back as quick as we can."

Fletcher has been regarded as a disappointment in his first two NFL seasons. He was the 26th player taken in the 2001 draft.

"Jamar is playing a lot better," Wannstedt said. "Everybody has seen it. I'm not just trying to give the kid positive encouragement. He's making plays. I'm excited to see him against Tampa Bay."

When asked about the public perception that he has been an underachiever, Fletcher smiled.

"Somebody's got to take the blame, and I'm the young guy," he said. "I understand it's going to happen, so I don't sweat it."

Fletcher said he's more comfortable with the defensive scheme than in the past, and he said he has learned a lot from Surtain and Miami's other starting cornerback, Sam Madison.

"Pat and Sam are definitely two of the best," Fletcher said. "They're very smart. People might think they're all about athletic ability, but they're smart, and you can learn so much from them."

Fletcher is battling for playing time with veteran Terrell Buckley, who was with the Dolphins from 1996-99 and rejoined them in March.

 

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