Jarrett Mackey likely to miss Army opener

Defensive end and captain Jarrett Mackey has not fully recovered from a season ending knee injury that occurred in the 2011 season-ending knee injury that occurred in the 2011 season opener. Mackey underwent surgery on his ACL late last September. The defensive lineman, who was selected by last year's seniors to be this season's “legacy”..

.. captain, made three unassisted tackles in game one of 2011 before injuring his knee in the same game.

The typical rule of thumb for an ACL tear is to give the knee a full year of recovery time following surgery. After practice on Monday August 27, head coach Rich Ellerson spoke to Sal Interdonato of the Middletown Times Herald-Record about the situation. When asked if Mackey would be a go for the September 8 opener at San Diego State, Ellerson responded, “I would not think so,”.

On Monday, Mackey was a limited participant, and didn't take part in any team action. Entering the preseason, Mackey hoped to practice in full as soon as possible. Senior Zach Watts, who started every game in 2011, has been taking Mackey's snaps at the “quick” defensive end position.

“[Mackey's] making good progress,” Ellerson explained to Interdonato. “Everything is encouraging. He’s got a good knee. It’s just a question of the strength to support what we are going to be doing out there and then getting a bunch of rust off. My guess by mid-year he’ll be back playing and contributing and looking a little bit like himself.”

It isn't uncommon for a player returning from ACL surgery to perform at a lower level their first season back. Lucky for Mackey, the NCAA has granted him another year of eligibility, so while technically he'll be a junior this year, he'll have plenty time to get back to form and contribute to his Black Knights.