UCLA defensive back Marcus Rios will miss at least six months, and possibly the entire 2013 season, because of a fungus infection in his sinus area.

Rios, a freshman last season, has undergone six surgeries to remove the infection since last October. He will undergo another surgery in the next two weeks.

“It started as a sinus infection last October,” Rios said. “Then they found the fungus infection behind my eye and beneath my brain.”

Rios said that “it’s very rare. Only 12 people have ever had it and eight of them have died. Two others recovered and then died later.”


Rios spent much of the off-season in and out of hospitals. He is currently taking antibiotics through a peripherally inserted central catheter, or PICC, line in his arm.

Rios, who played at Elk Grove Oaks High, entered spring practice on top of the depth chart at one cornerback spot.

“I can’t do any running because of the PICC line,” Rios said. “Now they need me to do another surgery.

Coach Jim Mora said Rios “will be out six months.” Rios said, “I’m probably out for the season.”


ALSO:

Vikings take UCLA guard Jeff Baca in sixth round of NFL draft

Packers select UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin in fourth round of draft

UCLA punter Jeff Locke taken by Vikings in fifth round of NFL draft