On Sept. 4, Vidal Hazelton suffered a torn ACL in his first game as a member of the Cincinnati Bearcats.
Exactly 12 weeks after suffering an injury that would sideline the vast majority of players for at least six months, the wide receiver is on the verge of a miraculous return.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Hazelton made the road trip with his teammates to Storrs for their game against UConn and could -- could -- play later today. He has yet to gain medical clearance for a return to the playing field, and an examination by the team doctor Saturday morning will determine his availability for the noon kickoff.
The paper reports that, if he’s given the thumbs up from the medical side, he would probably be limited to 10 or so plays.
Still, to even be in a position to think about a return for a handful of plays less than three full months after tearing that ligament? Sports-wise, that would qualify as at least a minor miracle. And provide a testament to the young man’s work ethic and character.