Three weeks ago, Syracuse Athletics announced that starting quarterback Terrel Hunt would be out for 4-6 weeks with a fractured fibula.

Since then, his leg has been healing in a boot. The quarterback has worked with offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tim Lester and the Orange’s young signal-callers as well as managed his diet while waiting for the chance to start rehab.

During Scott Shafer’s Tuesday teleconference, the SU head coach spoke about Hunt’s progress and said he and the team’s doctors couldn’t predict when the quarterback would return.

“The problem is 4-6 weeks doesn’t mean you’re ready to play,” Shafer said. “Usually, it’s you get to a point where now you’re ready to start upping the rehab situation, especially with a broken bone.”

He went on to explain that soft tissue injuries often allow players to get into rehab sooner, but Hunt has to wait for his bone to heal before trying to combat muscle atrophy.

Freshman AJ Long has filled the starting role for SU (3-5, 1-4 Atlantic Coast) in the past two games after splitting time with sophomore Austin Wilson in the Orange’s 38-20 loss to then-No. 1 Florida State on Oct. 11. In three games, Long’s 50-for-86 with two passing touchdowns, four interceptions and 420 yards. He’s run for a total of 15 yards and a touchdown.

With SU’s opening-day starter now in a shorter, softer boot, the Orange has four games and five weeks left in its regular-season schedule.

“I can’t predict when and the doctors can’t predict when either,” Shafer said. “You know 4-6 sometimes is four weeks, sometimes it’s eight weeks. It’s one of those things where each young man heals at a different pace. But he’s doing well, he’s getting around.”

Published on October 28, 2014 at 1:41 pm

Contact Jacob: jmklinge@syr.edu | @Jacob_Klinger_