Microfracture procedures and recovery have gotten a lot better over the last 5-7 years. Lots of athletes get it done but keep it quiet. Hips and knees.
The article talking about "mid January he couldn't put any weight on it" is not surprising. I had microfracture surgery and was told no weight bearing for 6 weeks and then another 4 weeks of crutches with partial weight bearing. It was 6 months before I was allowed to run again because you got to let that shyt heal and form the fake cartilage shyt.
As long as he takes it easy, no reason he shouldn't be fine. If the microfracture doesn't heal right, it just means he'll be bone on bone. Pain yes, performance issue.... only if that pain gets to you. This is the NFL not the NBA. Different breed altogether.