Scooby Wright injury: Arizona linebacker has procedure for lateral meniscus tear, could return for Pac-12 play

When the Arizona Wildcats lost Scooby Wright III early in the season-opener against UTSA, it looked like it might be a death blow to the season.

But it seems Arizona's best defensive player will be back sooner than later.

According to Sports Illustrated's Brian Hamilton, Wright underwent a procedure to fix a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee on Saturday, and could be back for Pac-12 play.

Hamilton's source says "It was better than everyone thought," after doctors went inside the knee for the procedure.

Arizona begins Pac-12 play against UCLA on September 26th, and after Josh Rosen's debut performance, Wright's ability to play in that game is crucial.

Arizona LB Scooby Wright had left knee scoped to repair meniscus tear & out 2-3 games source told @ESPN. 1st reported by @BrianHamiltonSI

— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) September 6, 2015

After watching the game replay on Friday, it appears Wright tweaks his knee initially in the first few plays of UTSA's 17-play drive that ended with a missed field goal. Wright then twists his knee later in the drive, after UTSA crosses midfield. He then removes himself after the fourth down conversion.

Key is whether meniscus was removed or repaired. https://t.co/rvIfSEPJuc

— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) September 6, 2015

@DSBerk 2-4 vs 6-8 weeks

— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) September 6, 2015

Expect official word from Rich Rodriguez at Monday afternoon's press conference. It is scheduled for 1:30 PM PT.