UVA’s “Football Player” Thompson playing with a broken wrist

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Keytaon Thompson confirmed Monday that he played most of the last two games with a broken hand.

The versatile senior, who is listed on Virginia’s depth chart simply as “Football Player,” has been one of the Cavaliers’ best offensive weapons through the first four games of the season. However, his production dipped considerably in UVA’s home loss to Wake Forest last Saturday night.

Thompson, a transfer last season from Mississippi State, is Virginia’s second-leading rusher, averaging 19.5 yards per game, having gained 78 yards on 12 rushes. He is also the team’s third-leading receiver with 58 yards per outing, having caught 16 passes for 232 yards.

He had only two touches against Wake, both receptions (he was targeted three times) that gained 35 total yards.

“Versus UNC, I fractured my hand at some point during the game,” Thompson revealed. “I played for a while and left the game later.”

Thompson said he was getting used to the cast, but wasn’t sure how long he would be required to wear it or if it will get smaller in size as he heals.

“I’m getting used to it,” Thompson said. “It was kind of bugging me last week, but it’s feeling much better now.”

Asked if the cast inhibits his ability to play at his usual level, Thompson answered no.

“I think I can do pretty much everything,” he said. “Obviously catching with a cast on is a little different, but I feel like I can still catch the ball and run the ball, so I don’t think it has that much of an effect.

“Also in practice, I’m trying to catch everything. I think I’ll be fine.”

Virginia plays at Miami on Thursday night and hopes to snap a two-game ACC losing streak.