Based on the initial reports, Arizona State was holding out precious little hope that the knee injuries suffered by a pair of starters in the past few days would be anything but serious.
As it turns out, that was the proper tack to take as any hope would’ve proven false.
Following practice Tuesday evening, head coach Dennis Erickson confirmed the Sun Devils’ worst fears: cornerback Omar Bolden and wide receiver T.J. Simpson have both been diagnosed with torn ACLs. The latter was injured late last week, while the former suffered his injury during a scrimmage over the weekend. MRIs taken Monday revealed the extent of the damage.
Erickson said the players, both redshirt seniors, have already commenced rehab, and will have surgery performed at some point in the future. Needless to say, at least a sizable portion, if not all, of their 2011 seasons will be lost.
Bolden was one of only four unanimous coach’s picks to the All-Pac-10 first team last season. Simpson led the Sun Devils in yards per catch and was arguably their top returning receiver.