The career of receiver Antonio Bryant (notes) could be in jeopardy due to recurring knee problems date to the 2009 season, two NFL sources say.
In a surprising move, the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday released Bryant, a strong indication that Bryant is unlikely to be healthy anytime soon.
"I just practiced in training camp and now this," said a league source with knowledge of the problems of Bryant 's knee. "The guy can 't stay healthy at this time. You get to the point that he' s feeling good, then it swells with him again. When that is happening, that indication sa 'are not very strong character structural problems. "
Bryant underwent knee surgery in low season and signed a four-year, $ 28 million with the Bengals in March. He practiced on the first day of training camp, but did not practice again before it not being fired. Bryant got a signing bonus of $ 7,850,000 and have made another $ 3 million in base salary the team had made.
He told reporters at the camp that the muscles around the knee were not 't strong enough to support the joint surgically repaired. This happened after the Bengals' medical staff saw Bryant before training camp and declared him in good enough shape to practice.
Peter Schaffer, agent for Bryant 's, said Bryant was not expected to undergo major surgery and is expected Bryant to play again this season.
Schaffer t Is not indicate whether he planned to file a complaint against the Bengals to release Bryant while he was injured. These complaints are standard in cases like this and two NFL sources said they expect this one.
problems Bryant 's knee became a major problem last season when he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played 13 games and finished with only 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.
Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber (notes), said Bryant struggled with the knee problem throughout the season.
"He could only move t 'a few weeks," said Barber. "He tried, but obviously was bothering him."
Bryant, 29, had an impressive 2008 season, when he posted career highs in receptions (83), receiving yards (1.248) and touchdowns (seven). Bryant, selected in the first round of the 2002 seconds for Dallas, had rebounded in the league and dealt with drug issues and anger to be a good teammate in Tampa Bay. But the Bucs refused to re-sign, in large part due to knee problems.
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Tags: antonio bryant, Arthritis Knee Pain, base, career, round
