The No. 5 Miami Hurricanes face a depleted secondary as several veteran cornerbacks remain sidelined, leaving a revamped defensive unit to contain Wake Forest’s dual-threat quarterback Gio Lopez.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released the initial injury report for the No. 5 Miami Hurricanes’ upcoming matchup against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Friday; no surprises came of it.
Sophomore tight end Luka Gilbert is ruled out – which remains the case for the entire season. He suffered an undisclosed injury ahead of fall camp. The secondary will miss several key veterans.
Junior cornerback Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. was ruled out for this Friday’s ACC showdown. He suffered a left shoulder injury in the Hurricanes’ season opener against Stanford. In just two plays into the first drive, Frederique Jr.’s shoulder appeared to have dislocated.
Head coach Mario Cristobal is hopeful for a potential return towards the end of the regular season.
Junior cornerback Xavier Lucas will miss his second consecutive game – ruled out against Wake Forest. He didn’t play in last Thursday’s 77-7 win over Florida A&M at Hard Rock Stadium. After the game, Cristobal mentioned that Lucas suffered an injury against Stanford. He’s expected to be sidelined for “approximately a month.”
Finally, on the Hurricanes side and the secondary, cornerback Ja’Boree Antoine is ruled out. He has yet to play a game this season; suffering an undisclosed injury during fall camp.
Several defensive backs, including Byrce Fitzgerald, Damari Brown, and Ethan O’Connor, will look to step in and fill the voids.
Junior safety Dylan Day was not listed on the injury report. He appears set to make his season debut.
The Demon Deacons initially ruled no players out; however, redshirt sophomore wide receiver Ny Carr is listed as doubtful. He spent two seasons with the Coral Gables program, but had limited opportunities. Carr caught four passes for 53 yards in seven total games. He has yet to play for the Demon Deacons this season.
Finally, redshirt junior Gio Lopez is listed as probable. In the first two games of the season, he’s completed 37 of 59 passes (62.7 percent) and thrown for 575 yards and four touchdowns. Lopez will provide a challenge for the Hurricanes’ front seven, with the ability to extend plays with his legs. He’s rushed 20 times for 98 yards and two touchdowns.
Last season, defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman gained experience in facing dual-threat quarterbacks. Without star edge rushers Akheem Mesidor and All-American Rueben Bain Jr., Lopez could be the Hurricanes’ revamped defensive line’s first big test.
The injury report is subject to change heading into Friday night’s matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. E.T. and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
