Maryland football CB Will Likely out for season with torn ACL

Maryland cornerback Will Likely’s knee injury is as bad as fans and coaches could have feared. Head coach DJ Durkin announced on Friday that the Terps’ star tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the season.

Likely suffered the injury in the second quarter of the team’s loss to Minnesota, Durkin announced at his Tuesday press conference.

Durkin didn’t have an update on Likely’s status during his Monday teleconference with reporters, which wasn’t a good sign.

Likely elected to return to Maryland for his senior season after getting attention from NFL teams. He leads Maryland with three pass break-ups in 2016 and has forced one fumble. His name hadn’t come up much in coverage, generally a sign that a defensive back is playing well.

Likely shifted inside to play slot cornerback this season, and he’s helped Maryland get the 24th-best passing defense in the country, per S&P+.

"In the short time I've been here at Maryland, I understand and have a great appreciation for the significant impact Will Likely has had on our football program,” Durkin said in a release.

“Will was one of the first people I met with when I accepted this job and it was quickly apparent how much he meant to his teammates and Maryland football. He will continue to play a vital role in our program as we lean on him for his leadership and experience. I am confident Will has the work ethic, drive and focus to overcome this injury and continue his football career at the next level.”