Just an ACL tear would actually be good news for the Pats. There would be an OUTSIDE shot he could return for the playoffs should they get there. The Pats know he's got an ACL injury, which can be assessed solely from physical exam via the Lachman's test. What the Pats didn't know is the extent of the injury, were the menisci and MCL involved. That's where the MRI comes into play. I am fearing it's the O'Donahue triad or terrible triad which is the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus affected. That can be career threatening and the recovery is 12-18 months. But with terrible triad injuries, I would have expected them to cart him off. Hopefully it's just the ACL.