One season after losing one of its top playmakers for much of the year, Syracuse will have to deal with another devastating injury to the offense in 2007. Except this time, the season hasn’t even started yet.

Rising sophomore running back Delone Carter dislocated his hip during spring practice on Saturday.

The injury was confirmed by a Syracuse spokesperson on Sunday. It was first reported by The Post-Standard in Sunday’s newspaper.

Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson told The Post-Standard that Carter’s injury could require surgery that may keep the tailback out for the entire 2007 season. Robinson said the injury occurred during a 7-on-7 passing drill when Carter bumped into a defender awkwardly.

Robinson was unavailable for comment Sunday. He is next scheduled to address the media after practice on Wednesday.

According to the Complete Guide to Sports Injuries by H. Winter Griffith, M.D., following surgery and healing of the injured ligaments, rehabilitation can take ‘at least three months of healing before resuming active participation in sports.’

Wide receiver Taj Smith broke his collarbone in the Orange’s fourth game last season, ending his season. Following Smith’s injury, SU finished the year 2-6.

As a freshman Carter rushed for 713 yards in 2006 – a team high – and scored four touchdowns, all in SU’s 40-34 double-overtime win against Wyoming. He was listed as a starter at running back on the Orange’s spring depth chart, along with rising junior Curtis Brinkley.

Brinkley and rising junior Paul Chiara are the favorites to replace Carter’s carries. They combined for 630 yards rushing in 2006, with two touchdowns by Brinkley. Brinkley also netted one receiving touchdown.

However, Brinkley told The Daily Orange on Wednesday his knee is only about 50 percent healed from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery. He said practicing has affected his rehabilitation, but he has participated in each of the Orange’s 12 spring practices thus far.

Published on April 14, 2007 at 12:00 pm