The Facts: According to multiple sources close to the 2006 second-round pick, the degree of the tear in Jackson's knee was very slight compared to most cases. Sources say that Jackson will be running by the time the Patriots hold their veteran mini-camp in June and should be cleared for contact by the opening of training camp in mid-July. These are all projections, of course.

Diehards Line:Why the optimism? According to the Herald, the injury happened in the AFC Championship Game and did not involve contact. In the days following the injury, word is that Jackson thought he had torn his ACL, but the swelling was so minimal that most around him doubted it. An MRI detected the tear. Reconstructive surgery cannot be performed until after the swelling goes down, so Jackson was able to have the operation quickly. ... The situation bears watching; given the team's moves at wideout this month, Jackson can't afford to miss much time.