Sources: Stephen Paea has tear in knee

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MOBILE, Ala. -- Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea will not participate in the remainder of Senior Bowl week after an MRI confirmed he tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee, according to sources.

Paea hurt the knee during Monday's opening practice for the North squad. Sources said he will have surgery on Thursday.

There was no official announcement from the Senior Bowl staff but several NFL team sources confirmed the injury.

Paea, 6-feet-1, 295 pounds, was the Pac-10 defensive player of the year and was projected by ESPN director of college scouting Todd McShay as a late first-round or early second-round draft pick in April.

The injury figures to jeopardize Paea's full participation at the scouting combine next month, but its impact on his status for the 2011 season is still to be determined.

Chris Mortensen is ESPN's senior NFL analyst.

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Chris Mortensen

NFL reporter

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• ESPN Senior NFL Analyst
• Joined ESPN in 1991
• Has covered every Super Bowl since 1979