FOXBOROUGH -- Left guard Logan Mankins, who had offseason knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee -- he played with the injury during the Super Bowl -- said today that he wasn't always convinced he'd be healthy enough to play in the season opener.

"Of course," Mankins said when asked if he had doubts. "I never knew how fast I would heal and everything would progress, but so far it’s been good."

Mankins's presence might bring needed stability to an offensive line that doesn't have Matt Light (retired), Dan Koppen (released), or Brian Waters (has not reported, but has not announced retirement). Major knee surgery isn't the easiest thing to come back from, especially in such a short amount of time.

"It was difficult, we’re still only barely past six months," Mankins said. "We’re still taking it day-by-day. It still improves every day, so it’s getting better. It’s good right now, still getting a lot of ice, trying to take care of it the best I can, and hopefully it feels good all year."

Mankins was likely aided by the limited preseason load given to the starters. With the season opener three days away, is he ready to play a full 60-minute game, if needed?

"It’s a possibility. It’s always tough, but it goes for everyone in the league, not everyone plays a full game in the preseason, so it’s different for everyone," Mankins said. "Myself, not having too many reps, I just have to trust in my conditioning and hopefully it’s good enough."