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Lance Rucker out with foot injury, expected return in October

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 12:32 AM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Basketball

Summary

Lance Rucker, an edge player for UND, suffered a foot injury during practice and is set for surgery on Tuesday. Head coach Eric Schmidt indicated that the All-American captain could return in early to mid-October, depending on his recovery. Rucker, a senior and two-time team captain, had a standout season in 2025 with 64 tackles and a program record of 11.5 sacks. With Rucker sidelined, Brody Thornton will take on a larger role as the team prepares for its season opener against Long Island University on Thursday at the Alerus Center.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Lance Rucker injured his foot during a routine drill.
•Surgery scheduled for Tuesday; October return anticipated.
•Rucker recorded 64 tackles and 11.5 sacks last season.
•Brody Thornton named to fill Rucker's position.
•UND's season opener is against Long Island University on Thursday.

Latest Updates

12:32 AMYahoo Sports — Eric Schmidt hoping for an October return with Lance Rucker's foot injury

What they're saying

"
Aug. 24—GRAND FORKS — UND edge Lance Rucker has suffered a foot injury and the program hopes the All-American captain can return in October, Fighting Hawks head coach Eric Schmidt said Monday. Rucker, who suffered the injury in practice Friday morning during a routine drill, will have surgery Tuesday. "We're hoping somewhere in early to mid-October is what it looks like right now," Schmidt ...
— Yahoo Sports

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