Senior running back Venric Mark’s bizarre injury saga finally concluded Monday.
Coach Pat Fitzgerald announced at his weekly news conference that his star tailback would not “be returning to participation this season” due to an ankle fracture he suffered early during the Oct. 12 Wisconsin game.
“We’re disappointed for him, first and foremost,” Fitzgerald said. “It’s not that the injury has gotten worse. It just hasn’t gotten any better.”
Earlier in the season, Fitzgerald said Mark would be eligible to apply at the end of the year to the NCAA for a medical hardship waiver. If the NCAA approves Mark’s request, he would be able to play another season in Evanston.
Mark led the Cats in rushing last year with 1,366 yards and was named an All-American as a punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America.
— John Paschall
