I'm not sure of the exact situation at this current moment, but it sounds to me that even if he was able to come back it would be much later in the season, which brings up a question...

Is it worth trying to come back?

From reading through the posts about Medical Hardships, it seems like it would be pretty easy to get and he is within the guidelines. This team is 0-3, just lost to two teams it should've beaten. With the news of Demetrius Jones coming in, wouldn't it be great to see McCarthy in here for two more years, with Jones? Anderson/Spann and then Spann/? at RBs most likely over that time? Playing Wisconsin at home in 09 (although probably SF). Obviously this is a personal decision as well if he wants to stay in school another year. But if he's still deciding on what to do, this may swing it in the direction of applying for the hardship if he hasn't already done so.

agreed. if we were in the MAC race at the end and he could come back for one key game, then go for it. if we're out of it, then hold off for the rest of the season