The Facts: Alexander devoted months to knee rehab, working to return from an August injury as soon as possible. It won't happen as soon as first hoped. The receiver recently underwent additional surgery to repair the right knee injury that ended his 2013 season, sources said. The revision ACL surgery, performed in January as a follow-up to the primary reconstruction done in August, delays the original timetable for the impending free agent's return to football activities.

Diehards Line:And as SDUT's Michael Gehlken suggests, it also complicates whether he'll remain in San Diego next season, the chances appearing unlikely. On March 11, Alexander will become an unrestricted free agent. He may be unavailable for the July start of training camp. Medical issues are the one concern for a young, dynamic playmaker. Coming off an impressive stretch run in 2012, Alexander was their most impressive receiver last offseason before sustaining an ACL tear on Aug. 6 while running a route during a one-on-one drill. Nine days later, he had reconstructive surgery. This second surgery sets him back, but he is working to play in the 2014 season, sources said. January's surgery was the second to Alexander's right knee. He's had five operations, which varied in invasiveness, to his left. ... Stay tuned. We'll be following up in coming months.