Yep, Michigan fans. You can say it: Ugh.
The Wolverines announced Wednesday that 2012’s leading tackler, linebacker Jake Ryan, is out indefinitely with an ACL tear he sustained during Tuesday’s practice.
“You always hate when anyone gets injured and unfortunately we’ve dealt with our share of injuries in the last 12 months,” said coach Brady Hoke. “We will support Jake to make sure he has everything he needs to get through this.I know he will attack his rehabilitation just like he does everything else and will be back when he’s ready.”
Ryan recorded 88 tackles last season, 56 of which were solo. He also had 16 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles. Those numbers were good enough to be rewarded with second-team All Big Ten honors.
Needless to say, his loss is a big one. How long he’s out will be a question Wolverine fans will be seeking an answer to for some time. Recovering from a ligament tear can take in the ballpark of six to nine months. That could put Ryan back on the field by the early part of the season, assuming he ends up on the shorter end of the recovery timeline.
But that’s a big (and dangerous) assumption.