Bozo JrCollegeofAG said:
Needs ankle ligament reconstruction surgery. Ouch.
https://406mtsports.com/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/sources-montana-state-qb-tommy-mellott-to-undergo-ankle-surgery/article_36b0f4fd-91cc-5436-8b0e-291c13914449.html
"Typical" recovery period after reconstruction surgery is 3-4 months, according to the Johns Hopkins medical web site. The overall prognosis is good: Most patients regain full strength and range of motion. However, it might be 4-6 months before he/she is ready for strenuous physical activity.
Best case scenario ... Quick recovery (couple of months) = some spring ball, maybe. Worse case = not ready until summer, or even medical redshirt.