What to expect from Tiger?

When Tiger Woods returns after an eighth-month layoff this afternoon, no one knows what to expect from the world's best golfer.

On the one hand, he says his left knee is stronger than ever after reconstructive surgery. On the other, athletes in other sports who have that kind of surgery can return to action in as little as four months, but typically need an entire year to recapture their form.

Here's what the historical record tells us about Woods:

This was his fourth — and most significant — surgery on his left knee, going back to 1994. In December 2002, he had arthroscopic surgery and missed two months, but came back to win three of the first four tournaments he entered.

He had it 'scoped again in April 2008, and returned in June to win the U.S. Open while suffering from more knee problems and multiple stress fractures, prompting the latest operation.

In 2006, he had an unexpected six-week layoff after the death of his father Earl, returning for the U.S. Open and missing the cut. But he won the final two majors that summer.

In short: There may be a blip this week, especially in a match-play format where you can get away with a few bad holes but not a bad round. But don't count him out for long.