QB Robertson's career at Villanova is over

(STATS) - A trip down south is usually embraced by someone living in the Northeast. Just not when it's a visit to Dr. James Andrews. The famed orthopedic

Villanova quarterback John Robertson (19) throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Rentschler Field against Connecticut, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/) / Jessica Hill

(STATS) - A trip down south is usually embraced by someone living in the Northeast. Just not when it's a visit to Dr. James Andrews.

The famed orthopedic surgeon has recommended that Villanova senior quarterback John Robertson not return to the playing field this season because of the torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and Wildcats coach Andy Talley said Monday that the 2014 FCS Player of the Year's college career is over.

"No, he is not able to come back," Talley said on the weekly CAA Football coaches call. "He went down to see Dr. Andrews ... and he has a torn PCL. They really feel like it's non-surgical at this point, that it's best that they don't operate, they just feel he can rehab it. But it's going to be a good six months' rehab.

"In order to be available for pro tryouts, they really feel his best option is to, obviously, not play, and rehab the knee."

Robertson, injured against Delaware on Sept. 19, accounted for 10,933 total yards (7,290 passing, 3,643 rushing) and 113 touchdowns (65 passing, 48 rushing) in his standout career. He and Brian Westbrook are the only players in Villanova history to run for 1,000 yards in a season three times.

In addition to becoming the school's third different FCS Player of the Year as a junior, Robertson won national freshman of the year honors in 2012.

"He's had a phenomenal career, kind of a legendary quarterback," Talley said. "It's just a shame that he didn't have a chance to put it back together again for one more year. He left his name on the sands of times at Villanova, that is for sure."

Redshirt freshman Zach Bednarczyk rallied Villanova in the fourth quarter to win the Delaware game, but he has since lost his first start to Penn.

The No. 14 Wildcats (2-2), the preseason favorite to win the CAA title, face William & Mary on Saturday.

"So now he has John by his side, coaching him along and encouraging him," Talley said. "And also it's helpful for next year as well because Zach's going to get all this experience this year. Instead of being the guy next year, he's the guy this year with a whole year of experience under his belt. And we have a lot of starters coming back next year as well."