Injuries suck. They take away from the potential of teams and leave fans wondering what could have been. Would Syracuse football have won more games in 2014 if Terrel Hunt hadn’t torn his ACL? What about Syracuse basketball with Chris McCullough? We’ll never know, but all we can hope is that the 2015 Orange is better off than last year’s version. Here’s a look at some of the injuries Orangemen past and present have to deal with going into the season.
Ron Thompson
One of the defense’s most crucial pieces looks to be on the mend, as Thompson was not wearing a boot at practice yesterday. His seven tackles for loss were the third most on the team last season, and the top two are now trying to make NFL rosters. With the state of the secondary, the Orange will probably need Thompson putting pressure on the quarterback to get stops. There’s still no official status on Thompson for the Rhode Island game next Friday.
John Raymon
After missing many games in both 2013 and 2014 with a knee injury, Raymon is now dealing with an upper-body injury. The defensive tackle is supposed to be a difference maker for Syracuse this season, but hasn’t done much in camp thus far. Raymon was limited in practice again yesterday, according to Stephen Bailey of Syracuse.com. The coaching staff is probably just being careful, but hopefully Raymon can get into the full-team drills soon.
Chris McCullough
A video surfaced Tuesday of the former Syracuse forward working out at the Nets training facility. Some have said McCullough won’t play at all this season, but now that seems like an overreaction. McCullough says he’ll be ready for full-contact in November, although the Nets haven’t made an official statement on his health.
In other health news, Pearl Washington will have brain surgery Thursday to treat a tumor. The beloved Syracuse alum has been getting endless support online and in person, as Donna Ditota of Syracuse.com says Washington has been “inundated with visitors.” He’ll be in the prayers of all Orange fans, the Fizz included.
Posted: Nathan Dickinson
