The first step of Terrell Suggs’ recovery process is underway.



The reigning Defensive Player of the Year had surgery Tuesday to repair an Achilles tendon injury and it’s unclear how much time he will miss.

“Terrell [Suggs] had a successful surgical procedure done on his Achilles tendon this afternoon by Dr. Bob Anderson in Charlotte, [N.C.],” Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome said. “After some recovery time, ‘Sizzle’ will begin the process of rehabbing the area. We know he will work hard to get back on the field with his teammates as soon as the doctors and trainers allow. We’re confident that he can make a full recovery.”

The team did not announce whether the injury was a full or partial tear of the tendon, which could make a difference in the recovery time.

The injury reportedly occurred 10 days ago while Suggs was conditioning on his own.

Before having the procedure, Suggs told multiple media outlets last week that he still planned to play in 2012, and expected to be back by November.

In his absence, the Ravens will likely turn to some of the younger players on the roster, including Paul Kruger, Sergio Kindle and rookie Courtney Upshaw. The three of them were initially expected to compete for the SAM linebacker position on the opposite side of Suggs, but now they will likely battle for the two open spots.

Whoever ends up winning the job, he will have big shoes to fill, as Suggs was coming off the best season of his nine-year career, where he recorded career highs in sacks (14), tackles (70) and forced fumbles (seven).