Ali Jennings will not be the only starter out for Virginia Tech today with Grant Wells and a pair of defensive starters among the additional starters who will not play in today's game vs Rutgers.
Grant Wells won't start today, according to Bill Roth and Mike Burnop on the Virginia Tech Sports Network, snapping his streak of 36 consecutive starts. It'll be Kyron Drones. #Hokies
— David Cunningham (@therealdcunna) September 16, 2023
Alan Tisdale is NOT dressed out in full uniform. Looks like it'll be Jaden Keller at mike LB for the #Hokies with Jayden McDonald as the backup
— The Tech Lunch Pail (@TechLunchPailD) September 16, 2023
Safety Nasir Peoples is here but not dressed. Has his left leg wrapped. Looks like it'll be Jaylen Jones as a starter again. #Hokies
— Andy Bitter (@AndyBitterVT) September 16, 2023
Nasir Peoples and Alan Tisdale were both not dressed out for this game in clear indications that neither will play today. Peoples missed last week's game against Purdue while Tisdale seemed healthy and good as of Wednesday's practice. Tisdale was in jersey but without pads in warm-ups as the reason for his absence is unknown at this time.
Jaden Keller is expected to start at mike linebacker in Tisdale's place while Jaylen Jones will get his second-straight start at safety.
Meanwhile, Grant Wells went through some warm-ups but didn't look anywhere near full speed with his motion and will not go today. That means Kyron Drones will make his first career start today for the Hokies with true freshman Pop Watson as the backup.
Other guys on the injury radar today including WR Jaylin Lane, TE Dae'Quan Wright, DE Keyshawn Burgos, and LB Keonta Jenkins all went through warm-ups dressed with all three appearing good to go. Lane was the one of greatest question entering this game but he looks good to go for this afternoon's game against the Scarlet Knights.
However, Lane did not end up playing in this game with Da'Wain Lofton starting at slot receiver. Meanwhile, Jenkins also received few snaps due to injury as true freshman Caleb Woodson got the start at STAR linebacker.
Check out our pregame picks made prior to the injury news being finalized here.
