If there was any good news about DeVante Parker during Monday’s press conference, it may have been that he fractured the smallest toe on his left foot instead of the big toe. He was scheduled to undergo surgery in Charlotte later in the day, with an expected recovery period of six to eight weeks.
Parker’s projected return is possibly and understandably on the conservative side. One could conclude that there’s less stress on smaller toes than the big one, and Parker could conceivably return sooner rather than later.
“His loss restricts you a little bit,” said University of Louisville Coach Bobby Petrino. “He’s a very, very talented guy. We’ll certainly miss a guy like him. We’re going to be a little bit different.
“We’re not going to be have to have one guy step in and tell him, ‘Now, you’re DeVante.’ We’ve got to be to utilize the weapons we have, the things they do well, mix the ball around and put guys in a position where they can excel.”
The status of running back Michael Dyer remains day to day. “It remains to be seen whether he will be able to play,” said the coach.