METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The Saints say owner Tom Benson is recovering from minor knee surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus, but is still expected to attend and fully participate in NFL owners meetings later this month.

The upcoming owners meetings in Atlanta are critical for Benson and the Saints, who are leading a big push for New Orleans to host the 2018 Super Bowl.

Deryk Jones, the Saints’ orthopedic surgeon, says the 86-year-old Benson’s knee was in “pristine” condition other than the meniscus tear, which was removed during a 45-minute procedure.

Dr. Jones says he does not anticipate any future complications with Benson’s left knee. He says Benson is expected to regain full function of the knee after about six weeks of rehabilitation, which will be conducted at the Saints’ training headquarters.

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