Hawks’ Jackson may be out month or longer

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Darrell Jackson’s injured right knee could keep him out for a month or more, longer than first expected.

The Seahawks’ leading receiver was advised to undergo arthroscopic surgery after an orthopedist detected torn cartilage in addition to the previously diagnosed bone bruise, sources said Friday.

The tear affected the lateral meniscus, which consists of cartilage on the outer side of the knee. Jackson, 26, received the news from Dr. John Uribe, a Miami-based orthopedist who has operated on numerous professional athletes.

Jackson had sought a second opinion from Uribe as a precaution after an initial diagnosis suggested no damage beyond the bruised bone. Jackson experienced pain and swelling in the knee following a victory over the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 25.

He presumably bruised the bone during that game. It was not immediately known whether Jackson suffered the torn meniscus against the Cardinals or if he exacerbated an old injury.

Surgery was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday. If Jackson goes through with the operation, as expected, he could need at least four weeks to recover.

The Seahawks declined to comment on Uribe’s diagnosis. Coach Mike Holmgren, speaking earlier in the day, said it was common for players to seek a second opinion on such matters.

“He just wants to make sure that guy down there sees the same thing we’re seeing,” Holmgren said.

Jackson ranks third in the NFL with 29 receptions. He set a franchise record with 87 catches last season.

A third-round draft choice from Florida in 2000, Jackson played through pain Sunday and caught seven passes for 55 yards and one touchdown. He reported the most pain when cutting to his left. At one point, Jackson was unable to outrun Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor over the course of a deep route.

A four-week recovery period for Jackson would cause him to miss three games, plus the Oct. 30 bye week. He would return for a Nov. 13 home game against the St. Louis Rams. A six-week recovery period would keep him out until a Nov. 27 home game against the New York Giants.

Jackson became a starter after the first game of his rookie season. He has played in 81 of 84 possible regular-season games, missing three after suffering a severe concussion during a 2002 game at Dallas.

Jackson has 369 career receptions for 5,383 yards and 36 touchdowns. Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent had 332 catches for 5,423 yards and 41 touchdowns through his first 81 games.

Jackson remained in Florida. He will not travel with the Seahawks to St. Louis for their game against the Rams on Sunday.

The team practiced as usual and planned to depart for St. Louis today.

The Seahawks are without their other starting receiver as well. Bobby Engram, tied for fourth in the league with 27 catches, suffered cracked ribs during the Washington game. He is out indefinitely.

Veteran Joe Jurevicius and second-year pro D.J. Hackett will start at receiver against the Rams, Holmgren said.

Veteran Peter Warrick is expected to serve as the primary third receiver. Jerheme Urban, re-signed earlier this week, is the fourth and final receiver on the roster.

Hackett, 24, has not started in a game since his college days at Colorado.

He made his regular-season debut last week in a reserve role and did not catch a pass.

Holmgren, speaking before Jackson received his second opinion, said he does not anticipate dramatically altering the game plan Sunday.

“I think they have had a good week of practice and they have functioned well,” he said. “I don’t see any reason to change too much that way.”