Washington State receiver Tony Freeman out for season with torn ACL
Washington State receiver Tony Freeman suffered a torn ACL in the season-opening loss to Washington and will miss the remainder of the season. Freeman caught 54 passes for 590 yards and three touchdowns last season and ranked sixth nationally in kick returns, averaging 17.3 yards per attempt. Coach Kirby Moore said Freeman may have the opportunity to return for an additional season under the NCAA's new five-for-five rule.
Washington State receiver Tony Freeman suffered a torn ACL in the Cougars' season-opening loss to Washington and will miss the remainder of the season, the team confirmed on Monday.
Freeman was a productive returning option for the Cougars. According to ESPN, he caught 54 passes for 590 yards and three touchdowns last season and ranked sixth nationally in kick returns, averaging a school-record 17.3 yards per attempt.
Coach Kirby Moore confirmed the injury and said Freeman will undergo surgery. "We're all going to be there to support Tony through this," Moore said, per ESPN. "And for him, think he has the potential to come back with the new five-for-five rule for another season here at Washington State."
The loss of Freeman forces Washington State to redistribute receiving targets among backup options. ESPN reports that Darrius Clemons, Daniel Blood, and Branden Ganashamoorthy are expected to see more targets in Freeman's absence.
Other roster moves: Defensive end Michael Hughes will be out "a couple weeks" after suffering a knee injury in Washington State's previous loss to Kansas State, according to ESPN. Starting cornerbacks Jalil Tucker (undisclosed) and Khamari Terrell (concussion) did not play against Kansas State and are expected to return in Saturday's game against Duquesne, per the team's statement reported by ESPN.
Tony Freeman, Washington State's top returning receiver and kick-return specialist, suffered a torn ACL in the Cougars' season-opening loss to Washington and will undergo surgery.
Freeman's absence tests the depth of Washington State's receiving corps and special teams coverage. The eligibility and mechanics of the five-for-five rule, which Moore cited as a potential avenue for Freeman's return, remain unspecified in available reports.
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