After a six-month recovery period, MLS veteran Jeb Brovsky has been cleared to resume soccer-related activity. FiftyFive.One has learned that he’ll begin training with Minnesota United FC this coming week.

Brovsky suffered a torn ACL on October 22 in a non-contact injury. He was just nearing the finish line of his 2016 campaign — his first full one outside of MLS since going pro. Brovsky stayed in the Twin Cities, working with Twin Cities Orthopedics to recover and get back to playing fitness.

Another NASL Loon once worked his way back from an ACL injury: Jamie Watson.

Prior to joining Minnesota United last year, the versatile player suited up for Vancouver, Montreal, New York City, and a five-match loan with Strømsgodset IF in Norway. For each MLS side, he was on their expansion roster.

Brovsky was on a trial with New England last spring that fell through in the 11th hour. He joined Minnesota United ahead of their preseason trip to Mexico and was one of their three strongest performers on the year. Along with Christian Ramirez and Brent Kallman, Brovsky was one of the most consistent players for the Loons.

Speaking to Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press in January, head coach Adrian Heath confirmed the club hadn’t forgotten about Brovsky. “He will certainly come into the group when he’s fit and well,” Heath said. “It would be wrong of us, I think, not to give him the opportunity like that. He’s got to get fit and well, and we will give him the necessary time he needs.”

He’s also been moonlighting as a writer for Howler Magazine’s website. In their weekly newsletter on Friday, Howler threw in a note about his playing career, “…congrats to Jeb, who was cleared to play again on Wednesday after sitting out with a long injury!”

How he’d fit

Objectively, Jeb Brovsky has a role to play on this season’s Minnesota United squad. This would be his fourth season on an expansion roster. For a side whose initial captain is out of favor, adding his veteran savvy would help keep things steady in the locker room.

Meanwhile, a healthy Brovsky would bring versatility to a stabilizing defense. The 28-year-old has spent time in central midfield, at both full back positions, and at center back. Minnesota could use increased depth at each of these positions. Sam Cronin is the only true defensive midfielder on the roster, as Collen Warner plays best as a No. 8.

There’s also no trusted backup to Jérôme Thiesson at right back, though both Jermaine Taylor and Kevin Venegas have played there. Thiesson pulled up lame for a couple minutes against San Jose on Saturday; there was no clear backup plan if he fell injured. Finally, with Francisco Calvo likely on Gold Cup duty this summer, center back depth will be needed.

As mentioned earlier, Brovsky was one of the most dependable Loons in the final NASL campaign. Both Ramirez and Kallman were something of a risk to bring along due to a lack of top-flight experience. Obviously, both have exceeded expectations. If Brovsky is recovered from his injury, he comes with 104 games (89 starts) of MLS experience. Even if it’ll take a month for him to readjust to the weekly grind of MLS, signing Brovsky would be a savvy deal. As a domestic player with league experience, the risk would be minimal. For him, the road back begins this week.

Brovsky joined the FiftyFive.One podcast last month. You can check out the interview below and join our patreon for an exclusive interview about his non-profit work.