Art Jones, a senior captain and arguably Syracuse’s best defensive player, will miss the remainder of the season, according to a statement released by SU Athletics Monday night. Jones felt discomfort in his left knee during the Orange’s 37-10 loss to Pittsburgh Saturday. An MRI performed Monday revealed Jones suffered a torn lateral meniscus that will require surgery.

The statement also announced that starting right tackle Jonathan Meldrum sustained a torn meniscus Saturday and will miss Syracuse’s final three contests. The two injuries leave the Orange with only 51 available scholarship players moving forward.

Jones, a nose tackle, entered this season considered a first-round pick in April’s NFL Draft. Chris Steuber, a draft expert for Scout.com, said just last week he projected Jones as a top-15 selection. Though Jones’ timetable for recovery is currently unknown, this setback will likely hurt his draft status.

Jones played the entire game against the Panthers and appeared uninjured. He didn’t complain of pain during his postgame media opportunity and spoke about preparing for this weekend’s game against Louisville. SU head coach Doug Marrone didn’t mention Jones’ injury during his weekly press conference with local media Monday afternoon.

Jones won All-Big East first-team honors last season, choosing to return to Syracuse instead of declaring for the NFL Draft. He said then he wanted the opportunity to play a year under Marrone. Shortly after making his decision, Jones tore his pectoral muscle lifting weights in February, but recovered in time to play every game so far this season.

He compiled 19 tackles in 2009. Jones finishes his collegiate career with 145 tackles, including 38.5 for a loss and six sacks.

Jones and Meldrum join a growing list of SU players recovering from season-ending injuries, including safety Dorian Graham (shoulder), tight end Nick Provo (knee), defensive end Jared Kimmel (knee), strong safety Max Suter (arm) and tight end Cody Catalina (knee). Suter and Catalina also suffered injuries in the Orange’s game against Pitt.

With Jones out, Bud Tribbey or Anthony Perkins become the favorites to fill his spot. Ian Allport or Tucker Baumbach will likely replace Meldrum at right tackle.

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Published on November 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm