Coming off a bye week, Justin Fuente met with the media and provided injury updates on a few Hokies including starting DE TyJuan Garbutt.
Justin Fuente here for his weekly press conference. He notes that TyJuan Garbutt and a few of the offensive linemen (Zachariah Hoyt and TJ Jackson) are day to day. #Hokies
— Cory Van Dyke (@Coryv9) September 23, 2019
Garbutt, along with offensive linemen TJ Jackson and Zachariah Hoyt, are all "day-to-day" with injuries according to Justin Fuente. All three players have been out since suffering injuries against Boston College in the season opener.
Garbutt has been a big loss for VT at defensive end since suffering an injury early in the first quarter against BC. VT struggled to get anything going on the edge against the Eagles while the level of competition makes you wonder if the recent improvement is for real or not.
If Garbutt is out this week, Eli Adams appears in line for his second strsight start after his first career one came against Furman. In that game, Adams had 7 tackles and a QB hurry making a strong impression as the undersized DE seeks to be the next Corey Moore.
Zechariah Hoyt suffered an injury late against Boston College with this being an encouraging sign that a return could be close. If Hoyt is unable to go, true freshman Bryan Hudson is expected to be the starting center which would be his first career start. Redshirt freshman John Harris could also work plenty at center as well against Duke.
TJ Jackson should have a role on the offensive line when he returns but it's unclear whether he will start. Doug Nester is expected to start at right guard while Jackson remains out, but may keep the job even when the older Jackson returns.