One bad tear has put former Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu's NFL career on hold.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Thursday that Ikegwuonu blew out his knee in a training exercise on Tuesday and will be sidelined from football for the 2008 season. The paper reported Ikegwuonu suffered tears in both his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments as well as damage to his kneecap while training at the Perfect Competition, a workout facility in Davie, Fla.

The Journal Sentinel reported Ikegwuonu was pulling a sled designed to increase his speed. He sprinted out of a start, planted his leg and his knee buckled.

Earlier this month, Ikegwuonu skipped his senior season with the Badgers and declared for April's NFL Draft. At 6-foot-1, 193 pounds, he was projected as a middle-round pick based on his size and speed.

The injury all but killed Ikegwuonu's draft chances. The typical rehabilation for total knee reconstruction is nine months.

Ikegwuonu signed with high-profile agent Drew Rosenhaus, forfeiting his remaining year of collegiate eligibility.

After earning All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, Ikegwuonu regressed statistically during his junior season. He made 24 tackles and intercepted a pass during the Badgers' 9-4 Outback Bowl season.

In 2006, Ikegwuonu made 41 tackles and two interceptions as the Badgers won the Capital One Bowl and a school-record 12 games.

[More at www.thonline.com]