A horrific knee injury suffered against Tennessee last month has ended Marcus Lattimore‘s season, and perhaps career, at South Carolina -- although Steve Spurrier said at a rally for the running back that Lattimore’s intention was to return to the Gamecocks. Whether Lattimore returns to Columbia or makes a jump to the NFL isn’t known right now, nor exactly when it is that he’ll return. USC’s team doctor confirmed there’s a chance Lattimore could return by 2013, but a very real possibility exists that he won’t see the field until 2014.
All the aforementioned details will work themselves out in due time. Lattimore’s road to recovery began last Friday when he underwent successful surgery in Birmingham to have several ligaments in his right knee surgically repaired, per a school release.
“Lattimore’s surgery was a collaborative effort between USC team physician Dr. Jeffrey Guy, Dr. Lyle Cain, and USC team consultant Dr. James Andrews,” the release states, which you can read HERE. “He returned to Columbia over the weekend and was released from a local hospital on Monday. Lattimore is in good spirits and has already begun the rehabilitation process. At this time, there are no plans for further surgery, according to Dr. Guy.”
Additionally...
“The ramp signage at Williams-Brice Stadium recognizing Lattimore’s school record 38 rushing touchdowns will be unveiled during Saturday’s game against Arkansas. However, Marcus, Dr. Guy and head football athletic trainer Clint Haggard have agreed it is not in Marcus’s best interest to attend the game. The Gamecocks will host the Razorbacks in a noon contest on November 10.”
It’s too bad Lattimore won’t be able to attend the event/game, but at least there’s no mistaking how the Gamecock faithful feel about their star running back. The junior’s 2,677 yards are good for sixth in school history. He was the team’s leading rusher this season with 662 yards and 11 touchdowns.