Michigan lost one player to an ACL tear this weekend, but it may be getting another one back from the same injury.
Seven months after tearing his ACL during spring ball, Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan has been medically cleared by doctors and could play as soon as this weekend against Penn State, Wolverines head coach Brady Hoke said Monday.
The junior led Michigan with 88 tackles, tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2012, so his return would be a huge boon to the Wolverines’ defense, which is already ranked in the top 20 nationally in total defense without Ryan.
However, it appears as though Hoke isn’t taking any chances and doesn’t want to rush Ryan back too soon. After all, recovery from ACL tears typically take upwards of 12 months.
“I’m probably more worried about it than anybody,” Hoke said.
Michigan will continue to rely on senior Cameron Gordon to fill in for Ryan if he can’t go on Saturday. Gordon has 12 tackles and three sacks so far this season.