According to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, Patriots All-Pro guard Logan Mankins recently underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL:

New England Patriots Pro Bowl left guard Logan Mankins underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the weeks following the Super Bowl, according to sources.

The surgery has altered the course of Mankins' offseason, making it highly unlikely that he will participate in spring minicamps. While Mankins hopes to be ready for the start of training camp in late July, his status is a consideration as coach Bill Belichick builds the team's roster this offseason.

According to Reiss, Mankins played through the ACL injury without realizing it. Three things to take from this.

1. Logan Mankins is one hell of a tough dude. It's hard to believe that someone could play though an ACL tear, let alone start and play every snap.

2. We now know why Mankins had some struggles in the Super Bowl. Not to throw any blame at him because this is really unbelievable.

3. This has added some context to the team's recent signing of guard Robert Gallery. Should Mankins not be ready to go for the start of training camp or the regular season, Gallery would be a very capable replacement and insurance policy.

UPDATE:Richard Hill's take on the injury news. Chance it happened in Week 16 against the Dolphins.