Last week, Purdue running back Ralph Bolden suffered what coach Danny Hope referred to as a “significant knee injury”.
Unfortunately for the Boilermakers, the specific injury was about as significant as it gets.
Purdue’s worst fears have been officially confirmed today as the school announced that their leading rusher in 2009 suffered a torn ACL in his right knee last Wednesday. According to the release, a surgery date has not been determined, and Bolden will be sidelined for the remainder of spring practice. The prognosis for his availability this fall is not known.
“While obviously we are disappointed, we understand that injuries are part of athletics and not something we can control,” Purdue head coach Danny Hope said in a statement. “We feel for Ralph as a teammate and member of the Purdue football family more so than we do as a talented running back, and we will support him throughout his recovery. Ralph is a proven battler, and we know he will come back and be a key part of our offense in the future.”
The junior back, who still has a redshirt available, led the Boilermakers with 935 yards rushing and 11 total touchdowns -- nine rushing, two receiving -- last season.
Sophomore A-Terek McBurse will slide into the starting role during Bolden’s absence, which will likely extend through the entire 2010 regular season.