EDIT NUSS: Well, this sucks. But, if there's one place besides wide receiver where an injury to a potential starter might not be a killer, it's linebacker. However, Bland was a sure tackler and instinctive player, two things the linebacker corps struggled with over last season. He'll be missed.

Also, as Cougfan notes in their story, there's a high likelihood Bland would qualify for a sixth season under the NCAA's medical hardship guidelines, as both of his missed seasons would be due entirely to injury.