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Report: Projected starting LB at Purdue likely to miss 2021 season
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Injury news is coming out of West Lafayette already.
Earlier this week, Purdue projected starting linebacker Semisi Fakasiieiki suffered an ankle injury to required him to be carted off the practice field. Now, it sounds like he’ll miss most, or all, of the upcoming season.
Mike Carmin of the Journal & Courier reported Thursday that Fakasiieiki will undergo surgery on his right ankle after sustaining the injury on Monday. He is “likely done for the season.”
#Purdue football note: LB Semisi Fakasiieiki will have surgery on his right ankle. Was injured Monday. Likely done for the season
— mike carmin (@mike_carmin) August 12, 2021
Last season, Fakasiieiki played in 5 of Purdue’s 6 games and made 1 start. He was credited with 6 tackles, including 1 for loss. In 2019, the linebacker played in 11 contests and started in 4. Fakasiieiki made 38 tackles and registered a sack.
Purdue has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, a big reason behind back-to-back losing campaigns. So far, fall camp isn’t off to a great start for Jeff Brohm and Co. on that front.
The Boilermakers open the 2021 season on Saturday, Sept. 4 against Oregon State.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB