Cunningham sustained the injury during the Mustangs’ scrimmage on Saturday night.

The X-rays taken Monday showed that the injury was more severe than originally diagnosed. He received this crushing injury at the end of a long punt return.

“I was sick for him,” head coach Phil Bennett said. “That’s No. 1, but also because he’s the only truly experienced receiver we have.”

Cunningham lead the team last year with 45 catches for 516 yards and seven touchdowns with a career-high nine receptions for 78 yards.

He also was SMU top punt returner.

The seven touchdown catches tied Cunningham with freshman running back ShanDerrick Charles. Cunningham was also named SMU’s Co-offensive Most Valuable Player along with John Hampton and Charles.

“I’m disappointed because I was really looking forward to playing for Coach Bennett and helping turn things around this year,” Cunningham said in a statement.

Cunningham will undergo surgery to insert two pins in his foot later this week. He should be ready for spring practice and will play in the fall of 2003.

Cunningham played as a true freshman in 1999, allowing him to use his redshirt year this fall.

Cunningham ranks seventh in receptions (129), ninth for receiving yardage (1,530) and sixth for TD grabs (13) for SMU.

He needs 86 yards to break Doak Walker’s mark of 665 return yards. Cunningham already has SMU’s record of most returns with 68.

The Ponies will have to rely on their seniors to step up and the first-years to establish themselves in the offense.