If you're planning on tuning into ESPN2 this Saturday to see Virginia play under the roof at Syracuse, make sure you've got your media guide handy. You'll need it to match names and faces to some of the numbers you'll see running around the field -- numbers you won't find on display behind the glass at Mincer's.
Thanks to a series of injuries, Virginia's projected starting lineups this season have been, to use one of Al Groh's most-recited responses as of late, "day-to-day."
The most glaring absence -- to fans and media alike -- has been that of first-team All-American inside linebacker Ahmad Brooks.
The most frustrating thing about Brooks' status is that it remains completely unknown. Groh maintains a firm policy within the program regarding injured players -- they aren't discussed. As a result, rumors about Brooks' surgically-repaired knee are still rumors. And for each day they aren't confirmed, the whispers of concern grow louder.
"When he's ready, we're ready" is Groh's automatic response to queries about injured players. When it comes to his star linebacker, you'll hear more of the same.
As game week reaches its hump day, he still doesn't appear to be ready. Even if Brooks were to wake up tomorrow morning and proclaim himself 100 percent, it would make little difference. The amount of rust that has undoubtedly accumulated after months of rehab and sporadic practice sessions would most likely keep him out of the starting lineup for the second time in two chances this year.
"As with most players who have had surgery, it will be a while until what was normal is normal again -- play or not play," Groh said about Brooks -- hardly an encouraging sign for a player who relies on instinct and his unrivaled athleticism to make the plays which Virginia fans have grown accustomed to seeing the last two years.
When Brooks showed up to Scott Stadium two weeks ago wearing a Tracy McGrady throwback instead of a No. 34 jersey, the assumption was that his return to the field was simply being put on hold. A two-week layover before Syracuse and a less-than-stellar opponent in Western Michigan caused many to view the delay as a way to shore up strength in the knee for the long road ahead.
Now, those assumptions are tenuous at best. Knowing he doesn't have a crystal ball, Groh is prepared for a season without the star of his defense.
"I'm being honest when I say that, months ago, I made plans to go on without [Brooks]," Groh said. "When he comes back, it's going to be like picking up a free agent at mid-season."
Of far less immediate concern is the sprained foot of starting tailback Wali Lundy. He pulled up limping on a 28-yard run in the first quarter against Western Michigan and did not return. Although he ran off the field gingerly, Lundy did not appear to be overcome with pain -- a good indication that a two-week rest will have Lundy ready to roll on Saturday.
But while the senior hasn't been officially ruled out of playing at Syracuse, he hasn't officially been cleared to go, either.
Coded language among players and coaches doesn't do anything to clarify Lundy's status.
"We don't talk about injuries around here," freshman tailback Cedric Peerman said.
"We're just going day-to-day," Groh said in a concise reply to questions about Lundy's foot.
But as opposed to Brooks, who has participated in practices in a limited fashion, Lundy did return to the first team in preparation for the Orange this week. That was enough to convince quarterback Marques Hagans of Lundy's ability to contribute in the Carrier Dome.
"[Coach Groh] doesn't really talk about injuries, but I expect to see Wali out there on Saturday," Hagans said.
When he's ready, we're ready.
Read More
Cavaliers slug their way to 9-8 victory over VCU to open final homestand of 2025
By Ryan Weiner | 2 hours agoIt was a little close for comfort, but Virginia got the job done.
72 years in the making, men’s golf’s first ACC title comes in dramatic fashion
By Casey Reims | 13 hours ago"We were dead," Sargent said. "We were beat."
With 10 games left in the regular season, Virginia baseball must be near-perfect
By Emory Huffman , Xander Tilock and Ryan Weiner | YesterdayVirginia has reached the witching hour.
