Maryland football is expected to receive much needed help for its matchup against No. 20 Minnesota on Saturday, as running back Anthony McFarland and quarterback Josh Jackson are set to return.
“They’re at 100% in terms of their expectation to play this Saturday,” Terps’ Head Coach Mike Locksley said at Tuesday’s press conference. “It’s good to be able to have both those guys back as weapons for us from an offensive standpoint. I think the time off for Ant (Anthony McFarland) last week, really helped speed up the recovery. He’s got a lot of a swelling out. Yesterday in practice, he looked to be at full speed, which was good to see. Then to see Josh be able to take reps again with the first team. It’s great to have both those guys back.”
Jackson has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain in Maryland’s victory over Rutgers Oct. 5. Jackson recorded 968 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions prior do going down with the injury.
Pigrome, who is the first Maryland quarterback in over 70 years to start in four different seasons, threw for 210 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in Maryland’s last game against Indiana.
Jackson, Pigrome and even third string quarterback Tyler DeSue has been taking first-team reps in practice, as Locksley hasn’t made an official decision on who will be starting against the Golden Gophers.
“That’ll probably be closer to the game-time decision,” Locksley said. “As we get through practice and we can make sure that he is 100% back and able to go out and do the things we want to see. Monday for us is kind of a light practice, today and tomorrow we’ll really get a better feel for where he is, but it was good to see that there wasn’t a noticeable limp, there wasn’t the ankle brace on and he feels good.”
McFarland has also dealt with a high ankle sprain, which caused him to miss first game of the season against Indiana. McFarland’s return should add an extra boost to the offense.
“I think last week’s rest and really getting his body healthy will benefit us because we’re heading into a big game here this week up at Minnesota which is a hostile environment so it’s great to have him back,” McFarland said. “I do know he was frustrated as I was and as we were as a team that he wasn’t at 100-percent and to have 100-percent Anthony McFarland will help the Terps.”
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