Two returning starters for Syracuse will miss 2012 spring practice due to shoulder surgeries. Wide receiver Alec Lemon and cornerback Keon Lyn both will have their statuses for next season evaluated throughout the rehabilitation process, but are out for the spring after the recent operations, according to an SU athletics press release on Thursday.

Lemon had successful surgery on his right shoulder in Annapolis, Md., according to the release. An unnamed source told The Post-Standard that the operation was extensive and could force the receiver to miss time during the 2012 season.

The wideout played a major role in the Orange offense last season, setting an SU single-season record with 68 catches and leading the team with 834 yards receiving. He also finished second on the team with six touchdowns. All were career-highs for Lemon, who had 150-plus yards receiving against Connecticut and South Florida.

Lyn had successful surgery on his right shoulder in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He dislocated the same shoulder during training camp in August. The press release did not specify the reason for Lyn or Lemon’s operations. Lyn finished last season with 23 tackles, a sack and three pass break-ups. He was suspended for the Orange’s regular-season finale at Pittsburgh on Dec. 3.

zjbrown@syr.edu