CARDINALS

U of L's Burgess has minor surgery

Jeff Greer

@jeffgreer_cj

James Burgess says U of L’s linebackers “could be No. 1 in the country.”

University of Louisville linebacker James Burgess will have surgery on his wrist, U of L confirmed to The Courier-Journal.

The procedure is considered minor, and Burgess, one of Louisville's top defensive players who started all 13 games last season, is expected to be ready for spring practice in two months.

The 6-foot, 231-pound Burgess finished third in tackles for the Cardinals with 71. He also had 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and three interceptions.

"Woke up feeling blessed to be up for another 24 (hours)," Burgess tweeted on Wednesday norning, "even (though) I'm having surgery. Pray for the best."

Burgess announced earlier this month that he'd return to Louisville for his senior season. He's started 30 games for the Cardinals over his first three years at U of L, including all 13 in 2013 alongside former star linebacker Preston Brown, who's now with the Buffalo Bills.

Toward the end of this past season, Louisville defensive coordinator Todd Grantham called Burgess and fellow inside linebacker Keith Kelsey "the quarterbacks" of Louisville's defense. They combined for 158 tackles.