Wake Forest has three offensive starters on mend
Wake Forest has four players who have more than 200 receiving yards this season. Three of them appear on the initial availability report for Saturday night’s game at Virginia.
Wide receiver Micah Mays Jr. is questionable, while slot receiver Chris Barnes and tight end Eni Falayi are listed as probable.
Falayi missed Wake’s game at Florida State. So, his status is trending in a positive direction. He has 15 catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns this season.
Barnes being probable doesn’t seem like something to be concerned about — but it’s worth noting. He’s been dealing with a bone bruise for most of the season. His 32 catches, 492 yards and three receiving touchdowns lead the Deacons; between Barnes’ effectiveness in the passing game, on jet sweeps and as a returner, he’s averaging 97.3 all-purpose yards per game.
Mays is the concerning one, with a questionable designation. He scored Wake’s lone touchdown last weekend against Florida State, late in the game. Mays has 17 catches for 295 yards and two scores.
The Deacons have 17 players who have been ruled out for Saturday night. Of note among them: Tight end Harry Lodge, defensive tackle Brandon Smiley, cornerback Ashaad Williams and wide receiver Jeremiah Melvin.
None of those players have been starters this season but they’ve all held various roles on special teams and in rotations at their respective positions.
On the Virginia side of things
The Cavaliers will be missing one key offensive lineman and could be without a second one.
Ben York is listed as out for Saturday night. He has not started a game but has played 167 snaps this season and carries the second-best run-blocking grade (76.4) on the team, according to Pro Football Focus.
Drake Metcalf has started every game on the O-line — six at right guard, three at center — and is listed as questionable.
Virginia could also be limited at running back. Xavier Brown was lost for the season a couple of weeks ago, and now UVA will also be without Noah Vaughn. They are third and fifth on the team, respectively, in rushing yards.
For the full availability report, click here.
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