During his Wednesday media session, Virginia Tech head coach Brent Pry provided updates on three players including standout RB Malachi Thomas along with WR Dallan Wright and LB Keli Lawson.
"Dallan Wright has had a season-ending injury. We wish him the best. He was really having a nice camp. I'm excited about his future. He's in great spirits. Obviously, our medical team is taking great care of him, and he's on the road to recovery. Malachi Thomas has suffered an injury. He's going to be week-by-week but he's in meetings, he's in camp, he's very involved, he's getting treatment and rehab, and we're excited about the year he can still have for us," Pry said. "Keli Lawson is just unavailable right now."
Thomas is the most notable and impactful injury among the trio as the standout sophomore running back was expected to lead Tech's backfield. His loss is a significant one as one of Tech's keep offensive playmakers who was at least somewhat proven especially after having a pair of 100+ rushing yard games last season.
Pry does still have some hope that Thomas might be able to recover in time for ODU but also plenty of caution and patience to make sure Thomas isn't rushed back before he's healthy.
"It's week-to-week so we got a couple weeks left (till the ODU game). Obviously, we hope that we could but I'll leave that up to the docs," Pry said.
In the meantime, Jalen Holston appears to be leading the way at RB with Keshawn King pairing with him at the top of the Hokies' RB depth chart.
Dallan Wright's loss is a disappointing one as Wright seem poised to be one of Tech's top backup wide receivers and in position to receiving a playing time boost this season.
Lawson's status is simply unavailable though Brent Pry did provide some insight to suggest that we may learn more soon once they have a fuller picture whatever the situation may exactly be for Lawson currently.
"With injuries, I want to give these guys space. When things happen whether it's injuries, whether it's academics, whether it's student conduct; we're going to take some time to sort some things out so you may see guys unavailable giving us a chance; more so them a chance, to kind of sort through things," Pry said.
Brent Pry also had an update on Temple WR transfer and expected starter Jadan Blue who has been either in a blue non-contact jersey or not in pads at all as he was today.
"He is getting better. He's on the mend. He's receiving good treatment. I expect him back here sooner than later," Pry said.
That is definitely an encouraging piece of news that Blue is on the right track for recovery especially given the Thomas news as well. In the meantime, Stephen Gosnell was taking some reps with newly-named starting QB Grant Wells in the spot where Blue would likely have been if healthy today. Jaylen Jones also has plenty of experience on the outside and could be a guy to fill in if Blue's absence lingers into the season while Christian Moss has also been working with the second string receivers and could factor in as well.
