National Football League

Payton has 'successful' knee surgery

Published Oct. 17, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Saints say coach Sean Payton is out of surgery and is expected to remain in the hospital until Tuesday.

Dr. Deryk Jones, who is the Saints' orthopedic surgeon, says surgery to repair a meniscus tear and fractured tibia in Payton's left leg was successful.

He says Payton should be able to return to work by Wednesday but probably won't be able to put weight on his left leg for about eight weeks, and that a full recovery could take three to six months.

Payton was hurt during New Orleans' 26-20 loss at Tampa Bay on Sunday when he was caught in a tackle along the sideline.

Payton has said he expects to call plays from the booth when the Saints host Indianapolis on Sunday night.