He underwent surgery last Friday to repair damage to ligaments in his right foot. The injury goes back to the fourth game of last season against UTEP. Gilbert saw an orthopedic specialist in Minneapolis last Tuesday and learned that the injury was worse than originally thought.
"We thought it was just turf toe, but it's something a lot worse. We're going to try and get it fixed and get back for the season... But I feel very good about it. It's something people have had, so I'm not too worried about it," Gilbert said.
Gilbert broke the same foot twice during his sophomore year in 2011, breaking it in practice prior to the Big Ten Conference opener against Nebraska and then on December 23rd in bowl practice. Last season Gilbert played in all 14 games and led all UW linemen in tackles, with 42. He also had 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles.
The new UW linebacker will miss all of spring practice and is hesitant to put a timetable on his return.
"We have to approach it a little differently, since this is my senior year," Gilbert said. "We don't have extra time. There's no extra time. It's going to be very discretionary. As soon I as I feel I can come off the ball and stop a 300 pound lineman or take a double team, that's when I'll return. I'm just playing it by ear and really testing my body this time around, so we don't have any setbacks- because I'm known for having setbacks with my foot."
Gilbert is expected to be one of the top players in college football defense this year and is considered to be one of the game's best overall athletes, having some breakout moments last season. When asked about playing 10 games with a sore foot, Gilbert said, "You never want to make excuses. Giving 100 percent is different than playing 100 percent. I always give 100 percent."
Gilbert isn't concerned about missing spring practice, when the new 4-3 defense will be unveiled, saying, "No, because it feels so natural for me. The concepts, it just comes together."
Reference: Madison.com
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