Tufts football lost a lot more than just the game at Williams on Saturday.
Sophomore starting middle-linebacker Adam Arsenault is finished for the year after suffering a dislocated and broken right ankle during the first half of play in Williamstown, Mass. Arsenault was carried off the field in the second quarter by his teammates and, after an evaluation by medical staff, put on a stretcher and taken to the local hospital where his lower right leg was put in a cast.
Arsenault, last year's NESCAC Defensive Rookie of the Year, is currently second on the Jumbos in tackles (31), also adding an interception and 0.5 sacks. Arsenault was one of nine returning starters to the Tufts defense in 2005, which, until Saturday's game, had not allowed an opponent more than 10 points all season.
"It's a reassuring feeling knowing that Arsenault's back behind you," junior defensive end and leading tackler Chris Decembrele said. "Middle-linebacker is one of those [crucial] positions where you need someone like him."
Arsenault went to the grass and tore his helmet off immediately after the play midway through the second quarter, rolling on his back in pain. According to Arsenault, he was attempting to bring down a Williams' running back on an outside tackle after a blitz. While trying to jump on the ball carrier from behind, Arsenault's right foot got caught under another player falling to the ground.
Play was stopped for over five minutes as coaches and trainers attended to Arsenault near the Williams sideline. Eventually, players from the Jumbos' bench were called onto the field to help bring Arsenault off the playing field.
The broken bone was exacerbated by torn tendons, making it difficult for doctors to reset the ankle without help from a cast. According to offensive coordinator Mike Daly, team doctors will evaluate Arsenault later this week to determine a best course of action and whether surgery is necessary. Otherwise, Arsenault should be able to have the cast removed sometime two months from now.
The sophomore says he expects to play next season.
