Calvin Russell III is getting closer to the field, but Syracuse still doesn’t have the all-clear it needs.
Coach Fran Brown said Monday that the five-star freshman wide receiver has progressed to catching passes, running routes and blocking, yet he still hasn’t been medically cleared for contact. Russell also went through an on-field test before Saturday’s 21-18 loss to California, but Brown said the doctors have not signed off just yet.
“We’re waiting for the doctors to say he’s completely cleared,” Brown said Monday.
That leaves his status very much up in the air for Thursday night’s game at Pittsburgh. Brown said Russell still has to build up the strength in his calves as part of the return-to-play process, and the final hurdle remains the medical testing.
Russell had surgery on April 1 and, by Brown’s description, he is moving through recovery at a pace that stands out for an injury this difficult. Some athletes dealing with the same kind of setback can miss an entire year.
Brown explained that Russell needs to get to an 8% strength deficit in both legs before he can be cleared for contact. In practical terms, that means he would be lifting at at least 92% of his maximum potential with both calves.
Just over five months after surgery, Brown said Russell is currently around 10-12%. That’s a major step forward from where he was only two weeks ago, when Brown said he was above 20%.
“That’s why we say that it’s moving very quickly,” Brown said. “He’s working extremely hard.
He’s consistent with coming in, doing extra rehab. He’s working a lot to get himself back to play.”
Russell has been retested since Saturday, Brown said, but he still hasn’t hit the 8% mark.
Syracuse would love to get him back as soon as possible. The Orange have been searching for more production at receiver behind Umari Hatcher and Justus Ross-Simmons, who have emerged as Steve Angeli’s top targets. Tight end Daunte Bacheyie has also gotten involved early, but Syracuse still hasn’t found a dependable third wideout.
That matters even more with Ross-Simmons’ playing status potentially affected by his lawsuit against the NCAA.
Hatcher and Ross-Simmons combined for 182 yards in the loss to Cal, while Cole Weaver, Tyshawn Russell, Darien Williams, Darius Johnson, Julian McFadden and Zamondre Merriweather have totaled 116 receiving yards through two games.
Russell flashed some of that ability during limited spring work, when he spent time with Syracuse’s starters and primary backups.
“We really want him to play,” Brown said. “He’s an electrifying football player, so if he’s able to go then he’s gonna go.”
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