AJ Long was medically disqualified from playing football at Syracuse on Oct. 13. Less than two weeks later, The Daily Orange reported his intention to transfer from SU.

And on Thursday, Orange head coach Scott Shafer said it would be “concerning” if he were to attempt to extend his career with another football program.

“He’s not medically — He’s not cleared to play football by our doctors, who are some of the best in the country in my opinion,” Shafer said. “For me, it’d be concerning, in the best interest of the student-athlete to be thinking that way without doctors saying ‘Hey, you’re healthy.’”

Shafer added that he believes it is a decision for Long and his family, and that he wishes the best for whatever decision he decides to make. He said it’s outside his “element” if another program would choose to take him on, saying his top concern was Long’s health.

“Just a week ago, he was having a hard time getting through the day and couldn’t go to class,” Shafer said. “…The best interest of the student-athlete’s health is the biggest concern that I would have there.”