Surgery knocks Mizzou receiver Alexander out of NFL combine

Danario Alexander, the leading receiver for the Missouri Tigers last season and a potential top 120 draft pick, had surgery on his left knee Tuesday, SI.com has learned. He has been ruled out of participating in next week's combine and his pro-day workout, but is expected to be ready for training camps.

Alexander, who caught 113 passes last season for 1,781 yards and 14 touchdowns, originally hurt his knee while participating at the Senior Bowl in January. His knee swelled after practice on Wednesday, but there was little pain, so he played in the game that Saturday. The following week an MRI showed Alexander had a defect in the cartilage of the left knee. A team of specialists, including Dr. James Andrews, consulted with Alexander and recommended surgery.

He's the second receiver this week to be ruled out of the combine. SI.com reported Wednesday that former Georgia Tech wideout Demaryius Thomas will not participate due to a broken foot.