Myles Jack Injury: Updates on UCLA Star's Knee and Return
UCLA linebacker and do-everything star Myles Jack suffered a season-ending knee injury near the end of a Sept. 23 practice, according to Jack Wang of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Jack was diagnosed with a torn meniscus that requires four to six months of recovery with no chance of returning for a bowl game, according to head coach Jim Mora, via Wang on Sept. 24.
With his season over, Jack has since withdrawn from the program and will enter the NFL draft, per Pete Thamel of Sports Illustrated.
Continue for updates.
Jack Rehabbing at Well-Known Facility
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller reported Jack is working out at Fischer Sports in Phoenix, the same place Carson Palmer and Darrelle Revis rehabbed their ACL tears.
Mora Comments on Jack's Decision to Leave UCLA
Tuesday, Oct. 6
"I think it's very risky to do this," Mora said after the announcement of Jack's exit, per Thamel. "There's a lot of speculation to ....where he fits."
When Mora made the announcement of Jack's injury, the head coach said he was "uncertain" if Jack would remain at UCLA, adding they would discuss it in late November, per Wang on Sept. 24.
How Jack's Absence Will Impact UCLA's Season
The loss is a huge one for the Bruins as Jack is a two-time Second-Team All-Pac-12 selection. In addition to that, they are already shorthanded on defense due to previous injuries, per Stewart Mandel of Fox Sports 1:
Stewart Mandel @slmandelMyles Jack two-time All-Pac 12 and preseason All-American. Had the game-saving INT last week vs. BYU. Third UCLA D starter lost for season.
9/23/2015, 3:55:43 PM
Jack joins cornerback Fabian Moreau and defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes as UCLA defensive players who are done for the year.
One of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, Jack carved a niche as the face of the Bruins program. He made 87 tackles (eight for loss) last season, adding 113 yards and three touchdowns in short-distance running situations.
As a freshman in 2013, Jack became one of the nation's most talked-about players, single-handedly reviving the two-way wave. With injuries wiping out UCLA's backfield, Mora called on Jack down the stretch to step in at running back. He responded with seven touchdowns and 267 yards, all while adding 76 tackles as a linebacker.
Jack will undoubtedly be missed on both sides of the ball. However, UCLA can survive without him at running back since it boasts one of the nation's top rushers in Paul Perkins.
The same can't be said for his contributions as a linebacker, though, as less-accomplished players such as junior Jayon Brown and sophomore Savaiinaea Isaako will be asked to perform in his stead.
UCLA is the No. 20 team in the nation after a loss to Arizona State, but the road toward potentially winning the Pac-12 South is significantly tougher without Jack.
The talent is certainly there for the Bruins, but the absence of their defensive leader may prove too much to overcome.
Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.