Baker out for the season with injury
First it was star North Carolina State tight end Anthony Hill and then there was a brief scare with starting defensive tackle DeMario Pressley and wide receiver John Dunlap during fall camp.
The injury bug has struck again in a big way for the Wolfpack.
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Third-year junior starting running back Toney Baker suffered a season-ending knee injury during the fourth quarter against Central Florida in the season opener Saturday.
Baker underwent arthroscopic surgery Sunday morning, and Dr. Michael Fajgenbaum discovered cartilage damage. Baker will undergo reconstructive surgery at a future date.
"This is a tough situation for Toney and for our football team," said NCSU first-year coach Tom O'Brien in a press release. "We wish him the best and will support him through his rehabilitation period."
Hill suffered the same fate in late July, having his senior season end before it could begin with a knee injury. Baker will be applying for a medical redshirt, and if granted as expected, have two years of eligibility remaining.
Backup running backs Andre Brown, a third-year junior, and redshirt sophomore Jamelle Eugene will be thrust to the forefront against Boston College next Saturday. True freshman Curtis Underwood is likely to compete with a few walk-ons for the third-string duties.
Baker was the Wolfpack leading rusher last year with 688 yards on 157 carries and six touchdowns, and has rushed for 1,272 yards in his career.
Baker rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries, and caught three passes for 38 yards against Central Florida.