Indiana’s season-opening triumph has likely come at a steep cost.
During the first quarter of IU’s 34-13 win over FIU in Miami Thursday night, Jordan Fuchs sustained what was later described by head coach Kevin Wilson as a dislocated ankle. The tight end suffered the injury on the punt that came after the Hoosier defense tackled a Panther player in the end zone for a safety.
While Wilson didn’t completely slam the door shut on a return for Fuchs this season, he didn’t seem overly optimistic.
“His injury is significant,” the coach said. “It’s a dislocation, might need a surgery to an ankle that might take some time but could potentially get back this season, but he’s got a redshirt year.”
The past two seasons, Fuchs has played in 19 games for the Hoosiers. The 6-6, 233-pound junior has seven carer receptions for 69 yards and three touchdowns, with two of those scores coming last season.
In February of last year, Fuchs was added to the IU men’s basketball roster. He played in three games, eight minutes total, and grabbed five rebounds. Prior to the injury, Fuchs was again expected to join the hoops squad upon the completion of the football season.