The summer months have not been kind to the Arizona Wildcats and their defensive unit, but head coach Mike Stoops did provide the media with some encouraging news after Friday's practice.
The Tucson Citizen's Anthony Gimino has the story:
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.
Some had thought UA might consider a redshirt for both Hall and Fischer if they did not make a return until mid-October or later, but their recent progressions may allow them to play at least half of the games in 2011. For a defense that just lost starting cornerback Jonathan McKnight to an ACL injury of his own, the team could certainly use their talent and skill on the field.
"We're certainly not going to rush either player back," Stoops said.
Good thinking, coach.
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