PISCATAWAY, N.J. — An injury suffered in 2021 continues to be a work in progress for Reggie Sutton, this as the Rutgers football offensive lineman is making some gains in his battle to return to the field.
Sutton was injured in practice in the fourth week of the 2021 season, leading up to the Scarlet Knights’ game at Michigan. Since that season-ending knee injury, he has been rehabbing with the hope of returning to the field.
It would be a big boost for Rutgers, given that he was an All-Big Ten selection in 2020. But on a personal level, it would mean a lot to his teammates and also head coach Greg Schiano.
That progress is being made by Sutton in his return to the field is a source of pride for Schiano.
“Reggie is one of my favorites and you’re not supposed to play favorites, but he’s been through so much and he’s been unrelenting and his attitude and his belief in our program,” Schiano said.
“He’s been a leader throughout which isn’t easy when you haven’t played in two years, yet, you’re a leader, right?”
Sutton, were he able to return this fall, would certainly be a big boost for Rutgers were he able to play at the same level prior to his injury.
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In 2020, a year shortened by COVID-19, he made nine starts on his way to all-conference honors.
For Schiano, the return of a player like Sutton would be good news on the field, especially for a rebuilding offensive line. But on a very personal level for the player, Schiano hopes to see his guard play again.
“He goes down on the practice field, at that time, he was our best lineman. So he’s done some things as of late that get you excited, like ‘Oh my goodness, he might actually be able to do this’ and yes, I’d love to have him back for our team. But as much as he’s been through, I just hope he gets to play for his sake because he has sacrificed so much,” Schiano said.
“I can’t even tell you. The hours he has spent rehabbing his injury. I don’t know how many people would do it, to be frank with you. He has just made up his mind this is what he’s going to do. So he’s in my prayers all the time that this can happen, and it certainly would help our line if he can come back even close to what he was. He immediately helps us so it could be really good for everybody. But a special guy.”
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