Patriots Running Back Stevan Ridley Undergoes Knee Surgery; Recovery Begins

New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley underwent knee surgery to repair his torn MCL and ACL this Tuesday. Per the Herald's Jeff Howe the operation took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Ridley was in the middle of a quality season as the starting running back before he injured his knee against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6. Providence Journal's Mark Daniels noted that Ridley has remained close with the team while waiting for the swelling in his knee to reduce prior to surgery. According to Daniels, Ridley left a note in the running back's room on their white board that will remain there for the rest of the season. The message?

Never give up.

Ridley certainly hasn't and he continues to root for his teammates during his recovery.

Have A Day, Jonas Gray!

— KiD-RiD (@StevanRidley) November 17, 2014

Sources tell the Pulpit that the surgery went well and that Ridley is in good spirits as he embarks on his recovery. Ridley is a pending free agent and his recovery timeline will likely keep him sidelined through the start of next off-season.

There's a chance that he returns on a short term deal to serve as a rotational back during his recovery as he proves he has fully healed- and it's likely the Patriots would be interested in a quality back with a team-friendly price.

No matter where Ridley goes, all Patriots fans will be wishing the best during his recovery and in his future endeavors.