Raiders All-Pro punter Shane Lechler had minor knee surgery prior to the team's training camp, head coach Dennis Allen confirmed Wednesday.
A scope to clean out his left knee forced Lechler to miss the Raiders' preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday. He may not play in their Friday night game against Arizona, but Allen is hopeful his punter will see action this preseason.
Lechler, who has missed just two games since his rookie season in 2000, said he is certain he'll be ready to punt by the regular season, leaving the rest of the decisions up to the coaching and medical staffs.
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Lechler has been on the Raiders' Non-Football Injury list with what was described as a left knee ailment.
"He had a scope," Allen acknowledged Wednesday after guessing on Aug. 6 that Lechler was a week away from returning to the field.
Lechler, 36, is a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro entering his 13th NFL season, all of which have come with Oakland.
Lechler swings a powerful leg. He has led the league in average yards per punt five times and he achieved an average greater than 50 for the second time in his career last season.
NFL
Rookie Marquette King is handling the punting in Lechler's absence. He averaged 40.2 yards in Monday's loss, pinning two of his five kicks inside the 20-yard line.