Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge's recovery time could be a lot shorter than expected after he underwent successful surgery on a partially torn meniscus Monday.

Doctors were forced to remove torn meniscus cartilage in his right knee, which means that Ainge's rehabilitation time is expected to be between three and six weeks.

Had doctors been able to repair the cartilage, Ainge could have missed 12 weeks or more.

Ainge should be fully recovered by the start of voluntary workouts in June, when UT's quarterbacks work with incoming and returning wide receivers before fall camp officially begins in August.

Removing the meniscus, which acts as a shock absorber in the knee joint, was the less preferable option. However, Ainge is still expected to make a full recovery.

"The injury to Erik is not expected to impact the 2007 season or his long-term health in any way," head athletic trainer Jason McVeigh said in a statement.

Drs. Greg Mathien and Russell Betcher operated on Ainge, who was released from UT Medical Center on Monday.

Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.