Arkansas State Center Jacob Bayer Tears ACL In Spring Practice

Arkansas State football announced this week that starting center and First Team All-Sun Belt selection senior Jacob Bayer is recovering from a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament. The injury occurred in spring practice this past weekend. Bayer had successful surgery to address the injury on Tuesday.

"It's going to be a long process for him," Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones told media on Tuesday. "We're here to support him. I know that he'll bounce back. He'll be better for it."

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Jones went on to say that Bayer's absence creates a need for the other members of the offensive line to step up. It's unclear exactly how much time Bayer will miss, however, traditionally ACL tears take six-to-nine months to heal. Jones stated that it would be possible, however, for Bayer to return in early September.

Jones also noted that 2021 Freshman All-American wide receiver Corey Rucker will miss the rest of spring practice with a minor injury.

Bayer was PFF's highest-graded center in the Group of Five in 2023 and the second-highest-graded in FBS. The Redwolves finshed last season 6-7 and reached their first bowl game since 2019.

The Red Wolves' spring schedule will conclude on April 20 with the annual spring game at Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro.