Allen has successful surgery

MURFREESBORO - Middle Tennessee junior linebacker Craig Allen underwent successful surgery on Sunday and is expected to make a full recovery according to head football athletic trainer Robbie Stewart.

Allen's surgery was to remove a herniated disc in his neck. The surgery was performed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Allen, who is expected to be released today and at the latest Tuesday, will be out for the remainder of the season. His football future will be evaluated at a later date as doctors follow his progression.

Allen suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter in the win over Troy when he tackled running back Shawn Southward.

Allen, out of Carrollton, Ga., leads the Blue Raiders with a career-best 82 tackles this season.

"We are very thankful that Craig had successful surgery," said Head Coach Rick Stockstill. "As a coach, you hate to see your players get injured, especially of this magnitude. We are just grateful that the injury was not any worse. Craig is a great leader and player on this team and our thoughts and prayers will be with him as he goes through the recovery process."

Fans wanting to send a get-well card to Allen are encouraged to address them to the Middle Tennessee Athletic Department, MTSU Box 77, Murfreesboro, TN 37132. Per NCAA guidelines, please only send a card as gifts of any kind are not permissible.

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