Tough injury news to report out of spring practice. The Irish look to have suffered two injuries after Saturday’s first practice in pads. Multiple sources tell me that defensive end Chase Hounshell has suffered another shoulder injury. One source indicates that it’s another torn labrum for Hounshell, a really tough break for the rising junior defensive end, who came into spring in great shape.
Reading the tea leaves a bit, Hounshell tweeted last night, “I’ve worked too hard to come within arm’s reach of the prize only to have my hand cut off just before I seize it.” That could mean anything obviously, but after two shoulder injuries, including one that cost Hounshell last season, a labrum tear would be a major set back.
Speaking of injury set backs, it appears running back Amir Carlisle had one as well, with a broken collarbone the result of a Saturday collision. That’s another tough break for the diminutive running back, who Brian Kelly openly complimented after the weekend’s practice and will likely play a big role in the ’13 offensive attack.
Carlisle, who sat out last season after struggling to come back from an ankle injury, also battled injuries during his one season at USC. He’ll have to jump one more injury hurdle before seeing the field for the Irish. A collarbone will likely take Carlisle out for the rest of spring, but he’ll have plenty of time to heal before summer camp opens up. Irish Illustrated also reported Carlisle’s collarbone injury on their premium messageboard.
Brian Kelly didn’t meet with the media after practice today, and isn’t scheduled to address the media until after Easter. But when he does, he’ll likely lay out a time table for both injuries.