Virginia Tech Head Coach Brent Pry Shares Key Injury Updates Ahead of Week 3
As Virginia Tech gears up for its Week 3 game against Old Dominion, head coach Brent Pry provided important injury updates on Tuesday and Wednesday, with several key players’ statuses potentially impacting the Hokies’ performance as they look to bounce back from an 0-2 start to the season.
Offensive Line
The offensive line continues to face injury challenges, forcing Virginia Tech to rely on a makeshift group up front.
“We’re a patchwork crew right now,” Pry stated on Wednesday. “Seven of our ten guys in the two-deep are in treatment twice a day, but they’re doing everything they can in practice. We’ve adjusted some of our practice tempos to make sure they get the work they need. We’ll be alright by Saturday, but it’s definitely a work in progress. We’ve got to have Plan A, B, and even C depending on who’s available and how they’re holding up during the game.”
Pry also mentioned that tight ends coach Brent Davis will play a role in helping the offensive line, particularly with blocking.
“Brent’s impact in the run game is big,” said Pry. “He and [offensive line coach Matt Moore] work well together. He’s coaching up the tight ends and bringing in his experience as a play-caller to help with the offensive plans.”
The biggest concern right now is the health of Johnny Garrett and Montavious Cunningham. Pry acknowledged that both are critical to the team’s success.
“Those two are really important,” Pry said. “In the second half last week, we had three redshirt freshmen out there against an experienced defense. Johnny’s tough, Mont’s tough. If they’re ready, they’ll play. Johnny’s working that left tackle spot. We’ve shifted Tomas [Rimac] over and put Aidan [Lynch] at right tackle, but we’ll adjust based on who we have available.”
Wide Receivers
Takye Heath, who started as the Hokies’ slot receiver in the season opener against South Carolina, didn’t play against Vanderbilt. Instead, Cameron Seldon took over his spot as the starting slot receiver.
“He didn’t look too good today,” Pry said on Wednesday. “He tried to do a few things, but I’d say he’ll be a game-time decision.”
Pry had mentioned on September 9 that Heath had been “dinged up” during practice on September 3, the same day he addressed the media.
“He got banged up the same day I spoke to you guys after practice, and we weren’t sure if he’d be able to play,” Pry explained. “He improved during the week, but not enough to play. Before the game, he told me, ‘Coach, I’m an emergency guy if you need me,’ but he wasn’t 100%.”
On a more positive note, wide receivers Keylen “Brodie” Adams and Chanz Wiggins are getting closer to returning, although their expected return is still a few weeks away.
“They’re getting closer,” Pry said Wednesday. “One of them is closer than the other, but I expect both back by midseason, maybe a bit sooner for one of them. We’re still a couple of weeks away.”
Running Back Terion Stewart
Pry also provided an update on running back Terion Stewart, who missed the opener against South Carolina but returned in a limited capacity against Vanderbilt, rushing for 10 yards on three carries.
“Terion had a good week,” Pry said Wednesday. “He hadn’t practiced much before, and last week was day-to-day for him. Now that he’s had a full week of practice and feels good, we expect that to help us moving forward.”
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