By Jerry Ratcliffe

Virginia likely lost running back Xavier Brown’s services for at least this week, but regained a healthy Noah Vaughn heading into game week for “The South’s Oldest Rivalry” against North Carolina (Saturday, noon in Chapel Hill, ACC Network).

Brown, who ranks third on UVA’s season rushing list with 241 yards (4.7 yards per carry), was injured in the first half of last Saturday night’s 22-20 win over Washington State.

“Don’t know the extent, still waiting on the scans to come back,” Tony Elliott said at his game-week presser on Tuesday about Brown’s status. “I know the X-rays were positive, but you’ve still gotta do the MRI to see exactly with the soft tissue.”

Elliott said he believes Brown will miss the UNC game.

However, following an injury a few weeks ago, Vaughn, the team’s fifth-leading rusher (170 yards, 7.7 ypc), should be available, along with a couple of offensive linemen that had been on the verge of returning for the past two weeks.

Starting center Brady Wilson and offensive lineman David Wohlabaugh will be available to play against the Tar Heels, Elliott said, along with left tackle McKale Boley, who nicked up an ankle during the Washington State win (see full depth chart below).

The coach also said that quarterback Chandler Morris will play after getting his shoulder banged up vs. Washington State. Morris confirmed that he is fine.

Wideout Cam Ross, knocked out of the game by a controversial non-targeting call, will also be available for Carolina.

Meanwhile, Elliott noted that third-year receiver Suderian Harrison is hoping to exercise his redshirt option. Harrison has played in four games this season and would prefer to sit out the rest of the season unless in the case of an emergency, which would allow UVA to redshirt him.

Virginia (6-1, 3-0 ACC) is a 10.5-point favorite over the Tar Heels (2-4, 0-2 ACC).