Leonard Hankerson to meet with Dr. James Andrews soon

RICHMOND — Redskins wide receiver Leonard Hankerson continues to improve while recovering from last fall’s surgery to repair ligaments in his knee. He soon will meet with Dr. James Andrews to see if he’s ready to be cleared for practice.

Hankerson, entering his fourth season, is on the physically unable to perform list while he continues his rehabilitation.

Washington’s trainers and strength coaches have worked with the former third-round pick to help him improve his strength and explosiveness. Hankerson said during the first week of training camp that he could tell he hadn’t yet completely regained his speed.

But Hankerson has observed progress since then.

“I’m getting better every day,” he said.

On Sunday, he did a series of sprints with a sled and 90 pounds of additional weight strapped to him.

Hankerson will not receive clearance until he meets with Andrews, who conducted his surgery. The receiver said that he expects to meet with the surgeon next week.

After the meeting — and depending on the findings — a target date for Hankerson’s return will be set, he said.

The knee injury represented the second major injury of Hankerson’s young career. He missed half of his rookie season with a torn labrum in his hip, and then missed six games with the torn ACL last season. He played all 16 games in his second season and recorded a career-high 38 catches for 543 yards and three touchdowns. Hankerson was on pace to set new career highs last season, having notched 30 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns before being lost for the season.

(washingtonpost.com)