Shane Lechler, a seven-time Pro Bowl punter, said he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee 10 days before Raiders' training camp opened but is making a strong recovery.
Lechler said he hit some punts Sunday and has “no doubt” that he’ll be healthy enough to punt in a game during the preseason. When he reported to camp, he was placed on the non-football-injury list. Rookie Marquette King has handled the punting duties.
“It happened just in the offseason,” Lechler said of his injury. “It just slowly progressed. I’d work out and then I’d have swelling, then I’d work out and have swelling. I just came up and had it cleaned out.”
Lechler said he’s never had to deal with knee surgery before during his 13-year NFL career.
“You know, 13 years, that’s a lot of pounding on my left knee," he said. "I feel a whole lot better already than I did before."
Lechler didn’t reveal his weight but said he reported to camp lighter than he’s ever been as a Raider. He was listed as 6-2, 230 pounds last season. He said he dropped the weight, in large part, to take pressure off his knees.
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLOAK.
