Wisconsin LB Jack Cichy's Knee Injury Diagnosed as Torn ACL, out for Season

University of Wisconsin linebacker Jack Cichy is set to miss the Badgers' entire 2017 season after his knee injury was diagnosed as a torn ACL.

Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst announced the status update Thursday.

"You hate it for Jack," Chryst said. "You only get so many chances to play this game and you never want to see a guy miss any of those opportunities. He's one of the leaders of our team and I know he'll be a big part of what we do moving forward this season."

The injury, which occurred during Tuesday's practice, represents a major setback for a Badgers defense that ranked fourth in points allowed per game last season.

Cichy racked up 60 total tackles, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks across seven appearances before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in October.

Zach Heilprin of the Wisconsin Sports Zone passed along comments the inside linebacker made last month at the Big Ten Media Days about the previous setback.

"In the weeks leading up to the injury, I [was gaining] more notoriety," Cichy said. "And then to have it all come crashing down, [was tough]. Having all that notoriety one day and the next day you're kind of off in the shadows, was weird. That was definitely very trying."

The senior was expected to take on a massive role in the middle of the Wisconsin defense. Now those snaps are likely to get split between a trio of juniors—T.J. Edwards, Chris Orr and Ryan Connelly—when the Badgers open the season at home Sept. 1 against Utah State.

A timetable for Cichy's full recovery wasn't immediately announced ahead of Friday's surgery.