Adam Hall could be back in action in several weeks. Photo by Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
Arizona Wildcats starting safety Adam Hall and starting linebacker Jake Fischer could be back by the beginning of October as they push ahead in their ACL rehabs, coach Mike Stoops said after Thursday’s practice.
“I would say that would be the best-case scenario,” Stoops said of the early October return. “After the break, the last six games, would be the worst-case scenario.”
Arizona has an open date after an Oct. 8 game at Oregon State. So, in Stoops’ worst-case scenario, Hall and Fischer would be ready for a Thursday night home game against UCLA on Oct. 20.
“We’ll know more as the next couple of weeks progress,” Stoops said.
Each player has participated in individual workouts in practice, and Stoops said the knee stability “is very good with both players.”
“They are doing all the agility work,” Stoops said. “The last month is about getting your explosive power back and feeling comfortable with what you’re doing. It’s getting that security.”
Hall and Fischer are juniors with redshirt years available. At some point in the next few weeks, the coaches and players are not only going to have to evaluate where they are in their rehabs but weigh the value of a potential half season against preserving an entire year of eligibility.
“We’re certainly not going to rush either player back,” Stoops said.
Sophomore cornerback Jonathan McKnight became the third starting member of the defense to suffer a torn ACL, when he was injured in Wednesday’s practice.