An LB is out 6 weeks with an injury

Submitted by Streetchemist on
Various message board chatter this morning has mentioned a linebacker is out 6 weeks with an injury. Sam Webb has mentioned it not being one that started last Saturday but one that played a lot. That narrows it down to Ross, Morgan, or RJS. If there's one place we can sustain an injury it's at LB but I hate seeing this right before the ND game.

SF Wolverine

September 2nd, 2014 at 10:52 AM ^

but, injuries are going to happen.  We can sustain one at LB this year, and probably on the D-Line and secondary.  We also appear to have more than one back and a lot of receivers.  Need Devin and the O-Line in their cloaks of invincibility, though.

Raoul

September 2nd, 2014 at 12:21 PM ^

You need to have a season-ending injury for a medical redshirt.

Also, Chengalis (not suprisingly) had no luck getting any info out of Hoke just now:

Blue in Seattle

September 2nd, 2014 at 1:56 PM ^

Of the circumatnces on Gardners redshirt? Pretty sure it was closer to, "yep he stopped playing, but practiced when he could with that back injury.

So I think the rules would allow it and it fits the definition. But Hoke seems to be taking an approach that is pretty close to Beilein, in that, if they have the talent and skill to play, they will play. It's what the kids want, and really what Hoke wants. After three solid years of recruiting isn't it clear they have the stable full? With or without redshirts, you can still only get. Four years out of a player. This is a positive feedback loop, as quality players move on to the NF l faster, more quality players want to play there.

It also allows Hoke to have great incentive for players who need mental maturing like Hagerup.

EGD

September 2nd, 2014 at 12:12 PM ^

We do have several LBs redshirting (Ferns, Furbush, Winovich, Wangler), plus Darrin Kirkland signed up already.  I have to think that playing guys early helps recruit more guys.

alum96

September 2nd, 2014 at 12:23 PM ^

We had 12 and 13 players burn their redshirt the past 2 years so I think its pretty clear that if you are ready Hoke will play you.  Anyone trying to negative recruit on that basis has zero legs to stand on.

There is no need to make a special case out of 1 player here or there to prove a point that has already been made.  And frankly except at some skill positions for a very special player we don't want a bevy of freshmen out there.  In most cases their heads are swimming and even a guy like Mone who is a huge guy will be a much stronger man down the road then he is today and most guys are not like Mone in terms of physical development.  But we do play them if they make the case - see our LT who is probably 15-20 lbs below where we'd prefer.  This is not basketball where many freshman make a serious impact.

ironman4579

September 2nd, 2014 at 11:17 AM ^

I remember watching the game and seeing one of the LB's run off the field with his arm held in like it was hurt. I remember thinking it looked like he must have done something to it, but no mention on the broadcast of course. I'm sure it was Ross, RJS or McRay. if someone has the game on DVR, check either the second or fourth quarter I think.

alum96

September 2nd, 2014 at 11:22 AM ^

Unfortunate but realistically its football and injuries happen.  Wisconsin lost both its DTs I believe in 1 half.  We've been pretty fortunate this year unlike the last few ones going into the season.

Technically only 2 guys "started" since we opened with 5 in the secondary.  But announced starters were Bolden, RJS, and Ryan (or if you believe Brian there were 4 announced starters).  Not going to speculate since it is worthless to guess but Mike McCray will go from "7th LB" to 6th and potentially this pushes the Michael Ferns "no no burned redshirt please" into "well forced to burn a redshirt".  As others have said of all the position groups this is the one that could absorb an injury along with perhaps DTs.

pearlw

September 2nd, 2014 at 11:24 AM ^

I think Ferns was already hurt going into the game also. it was reported before gametime by all the beat writers that Ferns wasnt on the dress list. Given that there is no limit to number that can dress at home games, I have to assume he was injured. Other freshman who had no chance of playing dressed so it wasnt a case of they knew he wouldnt play.

nowayman

September 2nd, 2014 at 11:29 AM ^

There's a huge difference between Sam Webb said, someone on a message board said Sam Webb said, and someone on a message board said that someone on another message board said that Sam Webb said.

I couldn't find anything on his twitter but did see a thread on another forum that I couldn't read.