Injury Report: Vaughn, Sparks, Sipe back; Wilson still out

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia will get a running back and starting punter back from the injured list this week, but will have to wait on a few others.

Running back Noah Vaughn, who has missed the last two games after suffering an injury in the William & Mary game, has returned to practice, and according to Tony Elliott, “he’ll be full go by the end of the week.”

Meanwhile, punter Daniel Sparks, who missed the FSU game, “is getting closer, so we’re hopeful that Sparky will be able to punt this week,” Elliott said.

In Sparks’ absence, sophomore Elijah Slibeck handled both the punting and kickoff duties and performed well, averaging 36.7 yards per punt, with a long of 44, while putting all six of his kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.

Starting center Brady Wilson, who has missed the last two games, is likely out for Louisville this week. Elliott said he believes Wilson is another week away (UVA has a bye week following its trip to Louisville).

With Wilson out, right guard Drake Metcalf has taken over duties at center, while backup left guard Kevin Wigenton has moved to Metcalf’s spot along with Ethan Sipe, who played for a few snaps against Florida State and should play more this week.

“We’re kind of easing [Sipe] back in, but I’m hoping by the end of this week, he’ll be ready for us to just kind of take all the restraints off and let him go,” Elliott said.

The coach gave the same report for offensive linemen David Wohlabaugh (transfer/Kentucky) and Wallace Unamba (transfer/New Mexico), that he anticipates them returning during the bye week.

Quarterback Chandler Morris is fine after a slight injury to his thumb against FSU. He finished the game and reportedly looked good in Monday’s practice, so he is fine for the Louisville game.

See the full depth chart below.