Pitt star RB James Conner out for season with torn MCL
Pittsburgh star running back James Conner, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn medial collateral ligament that will require surgery, the school announced Monday.
Conner suffered the injury during the second quarter of the Panthers' 45-37 win over Youngstown State on Saturday. He tweaked his right knee and limped off the field. He was examined at the trainer's table and did not re-enter the game.
The junior finished the game -- and likely his season -- with 77 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just eight carries.
First-year Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi left the door open for Conner's return, but the chances appear slim: "He could brace (the knee) up for 5-6 weeks and see how he comes out, but I don't think that's right for him."
Conner was one of college football's breakout stars as a sophomore, racking up 1,765 yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground for Pittsburgh. He is considered one of the top running back prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, should he choose to forego his senior season.
Redshirt freshman Qadree Ollison, who rushed for 207 yards in the opener, is projected to fill Conner's position on the depth chart.
"I greatly appreciate everyone’s support and well wishes. This is a temporary setback and I’m going to work even harder to bounce back," Conner said in a statement released by the school. "Even though I won’t be able to play this season, I’m going to be right beside my teammates and help them every way I can to have a great season."
