Well, so much for the optimism emanating from Blacksburg as it pertains to the health of Darren Evans.
According to a press release just issued by the school, the running back tore the ACL in his left knee during practice today and will miss the entire 2009 season.
“Darren Evans suffered a left knee ACL tear this afternoon,” head trainer Mike Goforth said in a statement. “He was evaluated by Dr. Marc Siegel and Dr. Gunnar Brolinson and received an MRI at Montgomery Regional Hospital that showed the ACL tear. He will be re-evaluated later this week to see when the ACL reconstruction surgery will take place. Our hope is to be able to repair the knee prior to classes starting so that he can get started on his rehab and continue his course work.
“Obviously we are all saddened by the results of his MRI, but we all know what type of young man Darren is and we have no doubt that he will come back stronger than ever.”
Earlier today, we noted that Evans had claimed the knee he injured last Friday was at “about 70 percent” health.
He also said he heard a “pop” when he suffered the injury last week, but two doctors who arrived on the scene determined that it was just a “capsular sprain”, not “anything ligamentous.”
Last season, Evans led the Hokies with 1.265 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns.