TCU's defensive injuries mount as McFarland set to undergo surgery

By foxsports
Published

TCU defensive end James McFarland broke a toe when he stepped on a sprinkler head during last Thursday's season-opener at Minnesota. He will undergo surgery and is out an undetermined amount of time.

Such is the luck with the TCU defense after just one game. McFarland led the Horned Frogs in sacks in 2014 and was a veteran voice on a young defense expected to quickly fill the holes of key departures. However, only more holes have been opening as injuries set in. 

TCU has also lost both of its starting linebackers. Sammy Douglas will miss the rest of the season with an injury and in a surprise on Wednesday, coach Gary Patterson announced that true freshman starter Mike Freeze has taken a leave of absence with no timetable for his return.

No date has also been given for the return of defensive tackle Davion Pierson, who has 31 starts under his belt, who is sidelined with an unannounced injury, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Patterson said fullback Paul Whitmill has moved back to linebacker as has safeties Montrel Wilson and Travin Howard. Wilson is expected to start Saturday's game against Stephen F.

Patterson's task of getting his revamped defense up to speed has taken a dramatic turn in difficulty, but he remained positive on Wednesday.

"We’ll be fine,” Patterson said. “I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been enjoying coaching this group probably as much as I’ve enjoyed coaching any group. We’re down numbers, but they’re working hard, and every week, we’re better than we were a week ago. So you just keep hammering.”

(h/t Star-Telegram)