Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone announced tonight that senior nose tackle Arthur Jones and junior offensive tackle Jonathan Meldrum will miss the final three games of the 2009 season due to injury. Both Jones and Meldrum reported experiencing discomfort in their left knee during the game at Pittsburgh (Nov. 7, 2009) and MRIs performed today revealed each student-athlete had a torn lateral meniscus. Surgery, which will be performed in the near future, and rehabilitation will sideline Jones and Meldrum for the rest of season.
Jones has 38.5 career tackles for loss, the most in SU history by an interior defensive lineman and third on the Orange record list. His 145 career tackles ties for 10th on the Syracuse record list for tackles by a down lineman. In 2009, he is tied for sixth in the BIG EAST with 0.22 fumble recoveries per game.
Meldrum started all nine games at right tackle for the Orange in 2009 and has played in 27 games during his three-year career.
This Saturday, the Orange will play at Louisville (12:00 p.m., ESPNU). It is the ninth meeting in the series, which Syracuse leads, 5-3. The Orange has won the last two meetings, including a 38-35 win at Louisville in 2007 and a 28-21 victory last season in the Carrier Dome.
Syracuse will return to Ernie Davis Legends Field in the Carrier Dome to host Senior Day on Saturday, November 21. The Orange and Rutgers will kick off at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN360.com). Prior to the game Marrone and the University will salute the senior class for their commitment to the program. Tickets are available online and at the Carrier Dome Box Office (888-DOME-TIX).