MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama quarterback Ray Cotton had successful surgery on his throwing shoulder, head coach Joey Jones announced Tuesday in an injury update that also cleared starting quarterback Brennan Sim to play this weekend.
The undefeated Jaguars are 5-0 after Saturday’s 45-6 win over Missouri S&T and travel to Lamar in Beaumont, Texas, on Saturday.
Cotton Expected Back for Spring
Cotton, a transfer from Ole Miss, had surgery to repair a torn labrum, an injury he reportedly had dealt with since high school. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that deepens the shoulder socket and helps stabilize the joint.
Jones said it was clear the injury had been affecting Cotton. He pointed to several signs: Cotton was throwing low to receivers, his throwing motion had changed so that he was not bringing his elbow up to shoulder level, and he felt pain when he threw.
Jones said Cotton should be ready in about four months, in time for spring practice.
Ross Recovery Timeline
Jones also addressed the recovery of sophomore running back Brandon Ross, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the win over Missouri S&T and will miss the rest of the season.
Jones said the plan is to let swelling and inflammation subside before surgery. If that approach is followed, Ross should be able to recover in about six months. That timeline would likely keep him out of spring practice, but Jones said Ross should be able to work out during the summer and be ready for preseason camp in the fall.
Sim Ready to Play
Sim was banged up in the Missouri S&T game, leaving after taking a hard hit on a scramble on the opening drive. Jones said Sim has been checked out by the medical staff, practiced with the team Tuesday morning and will be ready to play Saturday.
Jones added that the coaching staff will stress to the Jaguar quarterbacks that they need to slide more often and avoid taking unnecessary hits.
South Alabama, which began playing football in 2009, is in its second season under Jones.
