Maryland WR Stefon Diggs Out With Lacerated Kidney

For the second consecutive season, Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ season will end prematurely.

The junior suffered a lacerated kidney against Penn State last weekend and will not return. Prior to the injury, before kickoff Diggs made headlines with his decision to not shake the hands off the opposing Nittany Lions’ captains. A fight had broken out before the game started, and Diggs and the other Maryland captains were not quick to set aside their displeasure with their opponents after the scrum was dissolved.

In the opening minute of the fourth quarter, Diggs caught a pass and extended to the goal line before taking several shots from Nittany Lion defenders. Diggs was visibly shaken up and spent minutes lying on the grass being treated by the Terrapin training staff. The star wideout left the field under his own power and later returned to action. During post game interviews, Diggs did not look overly affected by the play, but as the week unraveled, further testing discovered the severity of the injury.

The loss of Diggs for the remainder of the season is costly, as he is the team’s leading receiver with 52 catches for 654 yards and five touchdowns. Still, the numbers do not tell the whole story. Diggs’ playmaking ability is not only used on deep routes or in the slots, but he is also utilized in both the rushing and kick return games. Diggs, who was already suspended for the Michigan State game, will miss contests with Michigan and Rutgers, but could be able to return for a Terrapins bowl game depending upon the date.

Maryland and quarterback C.J. Brown will now be forced to rely even more upon wide receiver Deon Long throughout the home stretch. Filling Diggs’ void in the passing game will be sophomore Jacquille Veii and the replacement for kick returns should be cornerback Will Likely. In the wake of losing Diggs, the Terrapins will need a complete team effort if they hope to pull off the upset against a tough Michigan State Spartans team.

*Section Photo credit to Mitch Stringer, USA Today Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to The Big Lead

Alabama Takes Down LSU in Overtime
Alabama Takes Down LSU in Overtime