Muskett, other hobbled Wahoos ‘day-to-day;’ Agunloye’s season is over

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia coach Tony Elliott said that starting quarterback Tony Muskett’s condition is “day-to-day,” and it will be a “game-time decision” if Muskett plays against JMU in Saturday’s home opener at Scott Stadium (noon, ESPNU).

Meanwhile, starting defensive tackle Olasunkonmi Agunloye’s season is over after the senior injured both knees as he was celebrating on the sidelines. Agunloye underwent successful surgery in Charlottesville after he ruptured both of his patellar tendons in one of the most freakish injuries Elliott had ever heard of, during UVA’s 49-13 loss at No. 12 Tennessee last Saturday in Nashville.

“Su (as he is known to coaches and teammates), we obviously saw what happened,” Elliott said. “I don’t think in the moment anybody knew the extent or the magnitude, but it was pretty serious for Su. He’ll be out the rest of the season.”

Several other Cavaliers, who missed the Tennessee game while recovering from injuries, are either day-to-day as well, or will be game-time decisions just like Muskett.

Defensive end Chico Bennett has returned to practice, and while he had limited reps in Tuesday’s practice, he managed to go at full speed. Elliott didn’t want to list him on this week’s depth chart without knowing for sure that his leading returning pass rusher from last season would be able to play against visiting JMU.

Senior safety Antonio Clary also practiced Tuesday, and Elliott reported that Clary “is getting closer.” Elliott said the defensive back is moving around a little better and will be a game-time decision like the others.

“Both of those guys could be in the lineup, but it’s really going to be how they progress throughout the rest of the week,” the coach said. “Then from a medical standpoint, is it the right time to put them back in the lineup?”

Tight end Sackett Wood, linebacker Josh Ahern, and safety Lex Long are all listed as probable for this week’s game.

“They’re dealing with some injuries that may keep them out, so I would say probable with those guys,” Elliott said. “We won’t know until later in the week if we’ll have those guys available.”

Offensive tackle Jimmy Christ, who transferred in from Penn State, is back at practice and “is available,” Elliott said. “I have to see where he is from a conditioning standpoint because he has been out for a couple of weeks. He has been a full go in practice the last couple of days. That’s an option.

“We weren’t quite ready to throw him out there. We were anticipating by the end of the week. Another week of practice will have him ready to go, so he will be available.”

More on Virginia’s quarterback situation coming up later tonight. UVA is anticipating a huge crowd Saturday, potentially a sellout (see related story here).