Louisville QB Will Gardner out for season (knee)
Louisville Cardinals quarterback Will Gardner is out for the season after injuring his left knee in the first half of Louisville's 38-19 victory over Boston College on Sunday, the team announced Tuesday.
The exact nature of the injury is unknown, but Louisville said in a release that surgery will be required "at some point in the next several weeks."
"It is really unfortunate and disappointing for Will because of how hard he has worked and how respected he is in the locker room," head coach Bobby Petrino said. "Will will continue to be an integral part of our program moving forward because of his leadership he has displayed and the respect he has in the locker room."
Gardner, a sophomore, started seven of Louisville's 10 games this season, leading the Cardinals to five wins and going 127-of-221 for 1,669 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. He was named the starter entering the season to replace Teddy Bridgewater, who left for the NFL after his junior season.
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Freshman Reggie Bonnafon is expected to replace Gardner at quarterback. Bonnafon has appeared in seven games this season, going 51-of-92 for 662 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He has also rushed 51 times for 138 yards and three touchdowns.
Louisville is 7-3 (5-3 ACC) entering its final bye week of the season. The Cardinals travel to Notre Dame on Nov. 22 before closing the regular season against Kentucky on Nov. 29.
- Mike Fiammetta
