THE SIDELINES : Major Surgery for Browns Guard

Cleveland Browns offensive guard Ted Banker underwent major surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on his left knee to repair a variety of injuries sustained in Sunday’s 37-21 playoff loss in Denver.

Banker, 28, will need to recuperate for 11 to 12 months, Browns spokesman Bob Eller said.

Dr. John Bergfeld, the team physician, repaired a torn anterior cruciate, torn medial collateral ligament, torn posterior medial capsule ligament, partially torn kneecap tendon and torn lateral meniscus, Eller said.

Banker was hurt early in the game but returned several times before leaving for good in the fourth quarter.