Miami Hurricanes Edge Rusher Nyjalik Kelly Will Miss The Remainder Of 2023, Other Injury Notes From Cristobal
The Miami Hurricanes have needed a "next man up" mentality on the defensive line all season. They've been dealt more bad news on the injury front.
When asked about the injury status of Akheem Mesidor, who's missed the past several games, Cristobal threw in an update on sophomore pass rusher Nyjalik Kelly.
"I can tell you Nyjalik will be out for the rest of the season," Cristobal said. "His is a little bit more significant (than Mesidor's injury.)"
On Mesidor, Cristobal said, "Akheem, I feel like he's close." Cristobal added that they have another evaluation coming with up Mesidor later on Monday and then again later this week.
Fellow defensive linemen Rueben Bain, Leonard Taylor, Jared Harrison-Hunte and Jahfari Harvey are among those who have stepped up during the recent absences from Mesidor, Kelly and Branson Deen.
Cristobal had spoken about starting quarterback Tyler Van Dyke on the radio on Monday morning, but reiterated in the afternoon, "he's good to go." Cristobal said the same for running back Henry Parrish, who also missed the Clemson game.
Running back Trevonte' Citizen, Cristobal said, “Now he's close. He is. He is repping indy and he is due for some work, some teamwork this week. He's doing all the running, all the cuts, all the drills, is due for some contact this week as well. We're very, very careful about that stuff. I mean, his was a very significant injury. There was a lot that went on, and then he had a setback during his recovery process. He looks great. He's at that point where you can't tell he had an injury, so now it's a matter of confidence, not so much physical. I would say it’s mental, making sure that he feels confident enough and that he can play fast enough to really not subject themselves to any type of injury situation.”
Citizen has missed the first season and a half of his Miami career due to a knee injury he suffered in fall camp 2022.
Cristobal said running back Don Chaney Jr is doing well now. He left the Clemson game during the fourth quarter with a minor injury.
The Miami Hurricanes host the Virginia Cavaliers this Saturday, October 28th at 3:30pm from Hard Rock Stadium. Virginia is coming off an upset victory at North Carolina.
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