NATCHEZ — Stevan Ridley and his family have yet to make a decision regarding surgery on his torn ACL and MCL.

The former Trinity Saint standout and current New England Patriot star is taking precautionary steps before deciding when and where he will have his surgery, Ridley’s mother Carolyn said. The family wants to be as careful as possible because this is a decision that will not only impact his career, but one that will have a lifelong impact.

“Right now, we’re waiting on feedback and seeing what the recommendations are from the team and from other doctors,” Carolyn said.

One of the doctors Ridley is consulting with is Dr. Brent Bankston, who is the LSU Tigers’ orthopedic surgeon. Bankston repaired Ridley’s ACL in 2009 when he tore it as a sophomore with the Tigers. Bankston has successfully repaired other Tiger players from the same injury, including Joseph Addai and most recently Zach Mettenberger.

“Stevan’s comfortable with him and his staff,” Carolyn said. “We’re considering him strongly.”

Carolyn said she talked to her son Wednesday afternoon and was happy to report Ridley was in better spirits than he was after his MRI Monday.

“I think now that we’re working on a plan for this surgery, he’s beginning to turn his eyes north,” Carolyn said. “I hear just a little bit more encouragement in his tone. The injury was devastating for him, but adversity is something that we’ve had to deal with before, and this is just another hurdle for us.”

Ridley’s former high school coach and current ACCS Rebels head coach David King said he talked to Ridley Monday and his former player didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for him.

“He’s been blessed his whole life,” King said. “He knows this is part of the game, and he’ll be back.”

Though Ridley has not been able to respond to many text messages and calls, Carolyn said she wants the community to know how grateful the family is for the outpouring of support.

“The care and support people have been extending means a lot,” Carolyn said.