James

The second opinion sought by Edgerrin James on his damaged left knee, and obtained in the last few days, has confirmed the worst -- the Indianapolis Colts star tailback is out for the remainder of the season.

ESPN.com has learned through various league sources, including several close to the two-time league rushing champion, that James has been apprised he will require surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

That determination was made by noted South Florida orthopedic surgeon John Uribe, the second specialist to examine James' knee. James, who was injured in an Oct. 28 game at Kansas City, has missed Indianapolis' last two games.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen first reported Monday that James was likely out for the year.

The Colts late Thursday night issued this statement: "Consistent with previous statements, club officials and the medical staff have not yet met with Edgerrin James and there is nothing to report."

The team's first-round pick in the 1999 draft, James, 23, had played in 38 consecutive games until the injury.

While club officials continue to concede only that James will miss the next 2-3 weeks and suggested reports he is lost for the rest of the season are premature, the tailback has told several teammates his 2001 campaign is over.

Although the timing could change, James tentatively plans to confirm the injury and announce details of the surgery and for his subsequent rehabilitation at a press conference next Tuesday.

A date for the surgery, which will be performed by Dr. Uribe, has not yet been set. But the rehabilitation period is expected to be 6-8 months and could mean that James will not be totally rehabilitated in time for the start of training camp next summer.

James is familiar with Uribe, the team doctor at the University of Miami, where the Colts tailback played collegiately, and apparently has great faith in his judgment.

The fourth overall player selected in the '99 draft, James led the league in rushing as a rookie (1,553 yards) and then again for the 2000 season (1,709 yards). His total of 3,262 yards is the second-most ever by a player in the first two seasons of his career.