A disappointing update on the Virginia Tech tight end's injury

Virginia Tech tight end James Mitchell will have knee surgery for an injury suffered Saturday and miss the remainder of the season, according to The Athletic’s Andy Bitter. Mitchell left Saturday’s contest against Middle Tennessee after suffering the injury in the second quarter.

A projected NFL draft pick, Mitchell decided to come back in 2021 to improve his stock. He had 26 catches for 435 yards and four touchdowns this past season. He also has five rushing touchdowns throughout his career.

The Hokies finished just 5-6 this past season and did not play in a bowl game. They are the No. 15 team in the country according to the AP poll.

Despite entering the year unranked, they shocked the nation with a 17-10 victory against No. 10 North Carolina on Sept. 3. The Hokies defense was tremendous in that game as they forced three interceptions from quarterback Sam Howell.

The loss of Mitchell is a huge blow to Virginia Tech. He finished with three catches for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Hokies’ Week 1 victory against the Tar Heels. At 6-foot-3, 255 pounds, he is a huge red zone target and the Hokies will need to adjust accordingly with him out.

Virginia Tech still has a number of talented skill players for quarterback Braxton Burmeister to target. Tre Turner is on pace for his best year yet after three straight season with at least 500 yards receiving. Running back Raheem Blackshear is as much of a threat through the air as on the ground.

The senior already has four catches for 71 yards this year.

Virginia Tech next takes the field against West Virginia at noon ET on Saturday. Without Mitchell, the team will do its best to fill the large gap left behind.

Virginia Tech will definitely miss James Mitchell because of the injury this season, but that doesn’t mean it’s over yet. This is still a talented squad with a chance to make plenty of noise in the ACC.