Head coach Bret Bielema received the news over the weekend that redshirt junior quarterback Curt Phillips will miss the 2011 season after requiring another procedure on his knee. This could turn out to be a big blow for Bielema and the Badgers as Phillips was consider in the running for the starting quarterback position this fall.
Phillips suffered the knee injury in March of 2010, when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament. He would undergo surgery and be ruled out for the 2010 season where his recovery would be set back in November of the same year.
Entering the spring, Phillips showed signs of improvement, making Bielema believe that he could compete for the starting job. But Phillips' recovery would again be setback as the team learned that he needed to undergo a third procedure.
Bielema addressed Phillips' procedure during the press conference following Saturday's annual spring game.
""After the procedure yesterday his knee didn't heal the way that we had projected,"" Bielema said. ""He's going to have to go in for another procedure at some point.""
Despite being ruled out for the season yet again, Phillips is not giving up on football.
""He's already thinking about what his options are,"" Bielema said. ""Obviously to petition for six years.""
Bielema went on to praise Phillips for the mental strength and resolve he has shown throughout his recovery.
""It was reassuring to him,"" Bielema said. ""I think he overall didn't feel the knee was right where it was at and it gives some answers for him to move forward.""
