Washington LB Azeem Victor Not Expected to Have Long Rehab For Leg Injury
SEATTLE -- Washington will know on Monday or Tuesday whether or not junior linebacker Azeem Victor will return at some point for the 2016 season after suffering a left leg injury against USC, a source with knowledge of the situation informed Rivals on Sunday.
The Huskies leading tackler was carted off the field Saturday night after planting his left leg and twisting it to make a tackle on Southern Cal running back Ronald Jones with 12:08 in the second quarter. Victor did not return to the game and UW coach Chris Petersen did not have an initial update following the game.
"I have no update," Petersen said during his post-game press conference. "They didn't tell me anything. When one of our guys gets carted off, it is not going to be good. But I didn't even see our trainer to tell you the truth."
Victor supported the Huskies in the second half by Tweeting his injury could potentially be less impactful that it appeared on first glance.
The first impression of the leg injury appeared to be a season-ending injury that could potentially impact his draft stock should the junior linebacker elect to declare for the 2017 NFL Draft.
However, a source told Rivals regardless of injury Victor was going to return to Washington for his senior season. The source added that the injury would not impact his pre-draft workouts if he were to declare, meaning the timetable would be less than three months.
Victor currently leads the No.7 Huskies in total tackles (68) while also recording a forced fumble and a pass defensed. More so for the Huskies, Victor has proven to be a successful vocal and physical leader on and off the field for the Huskies, along with fellow linebacker Keishawn Bierria.
Washington held Southern Cal to just nine second half points Saturday night after Victor left the game, showing the depth and versatility with D.J. Beavers and Connor O'Brien stepping up in place Victor and Joe Mathis respectively.
Petersen already ruled Mathis out for the season prior to this past weekend. The Huskies without their senior sack leader have conjured together just four sacks over the past four games.
Washington will host Arizona State on Saturday with the Huskies still in control of their own destiny to the Pac-12 Championship Game and potentially still a spot in the CFB Playoff final four.