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Mackey could be ready for the beginning of spring practice on March 28. He is expected to be out two to four weeks after Thursday morning's surgery, according to athletic department spokesman Kyle Campbell.
The 6-foot, 190-pound junior from Bastrop, La., is expected to compete for the starting quarterback job with junior Nathan Stanley and junior college transfer Zach Stoudt.
Barry Brunetti, who transferred from West Virginia, could also be an option if the NCAA grants a request to play immediately because of a family hardship.
As a sophomore at East Mississippi CC in 2009, Mackey led all junior college players with 3,122 passing yards. He redshirted last season.