The Tar Heels will enter Saturday’s game with James Madison with questions at quarterback and a bevy of injuries to go along with it.
It’s a good sign that only one player, Kaimon Rucker, is officially out heading into the matchup, but there are numerous members of the offense who are being monitored throughout the week, including many who missed last week’s game with NC Central.
Starting center Austin Blaske is a guy that Mack Brown said is expected to be back at practice this week, but it seems like it might be a longshot after he wasn’t even dressed this past weekend. The good news is there is no need for the staff to rush him back because of just how good Zach Greenberg has been in his place for the majority of the last two games.
The rest of the group of guys that are being evaluated seem like they are truly questionable heading into the game. The most important member of that group is starting placekicker Noah Burnette, who missed last week’s game with a lower-body injury, forcing kickoff specialist Liam Boyd to handle the role which he did nicely but probably doesn’t have the consistency or range needed to be the long term solution right now.
The other notable injury is Nate McCollum, who exited Saturday’s game early with a lower-body injury. Kobe Paysour is more than capable of handling the starting snaps in the slot if McCollum can’t go and Javarius Green looks ready to make the most of the opportunity as a kick returner, but with the struggles that this team is having at receiver, it feels like they need to have as many options as possible to go to as they search for answers there.
Starting guard Aidan Banfield missed last Saturday, as well but he feels like the most probable to play considering he was listed as doubtful coming into the game. Malik McGowan was solid in place of him, but every snap as a true freshman starter is valuable. Hopefully, he can return and continue his progression before the team jumps into conference play.
Running back Darwin Barlow and safety DeAndre Boykins are both dealing with lower-body issues of their own and could be valuable depth pieces and special teams members if they are active against James Madison.
For all of the latest on the injuries, keep an eye on the website and check the James Madison preview throughout the day on Saturday for all of the latest updates on who will play and who won’t.
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