[A CA Guy]

He had a prior knee injury and I wondered why he wasn't wearing some kind of protective knee gear before this happened.

They make braces for around the knee that would have prevented this tackle from causing this damage I believe.

I agree with you, prayers for he and his family.
That area loves him, he's a family values kind of guy.

[RedCell]

My understanding is that he was wearing a brace at the time of the injury. Obviously it didn't help too much but you've gotta wonder if they have to make some concessions between protection and mobility when choosing the right one.