The No. 4 Miami Hurricanes secondary attrition and key offensive absences while awaiting game-time decisions on vital defensive depth before a high-stakes, prime-time road test against Clemson.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Atlantic Coast Conference released its initial injury report on Wednesday night and the No. 4 Miami Hurricanes are close to regaining much-needed bodies and depth ahead of this Saturday’s prime-time clash against Clemson.
As expected, sophomore tight end Luka Gilbert (undisclosed), redshirt junior running back CharMar “Marty” Brown (right knee), and sophomore wide receiver Joshua Moore (right shoulder) have been ruled out – the case for the rest of the season.
Cornerbacks junior Romanas “OJ” Frederique Jr. (left shoulder) and Ja’Boree Antoine (undisclosed) are ruled out for the weekend. Both defenders are expected to return at a later portion of the regular season. Antoine has yet to play and Frederique Jr. has been sidelined since the first drive against Stanford.
Newly added to the list, redshirt junior tight end Owen Ruskavich (undisclosed) has been ruled out. He’s logged a new collegiate career high, playing 26 snaps this season. Ruskavich didn’t appear in last Saturday’s 52-3 win over Central Michigan at Hard Rock Stadium.
Junior cornerback Xavier Lucas (undisclosed) is listed as questionable. Head coach Mario Cristobal described a return this weekend as “possibly.” Lucas will likely be a game-time decision. The Hurricanes’ secondary has run thin over the last three weeks; a return would add much-needed depth.
Sophomore linebacker Ezekiel Marcelin Jr. (undisclosed) is listed as questionable. He has shown promising signs this season. Marcelin Jr. is one of nine Hurricanes defenders with at least 10 tackles, including three solos and seven assists, a tackle for loss, and a forced pressure.
Seniors running back Mark Fletcher Jr. and defensive tackle Ahmad Moten Sr. didn’t play against Central Michigan with prior injuries and sidelined for precaution. Neither is listed in the initial injury report.
Clemson has starting junior left guard Elyjah Thurmon (undisclosed) as questionable. Meanwhile, junior nickelback Corian Gipson and fifth-year defensive tackle Devarrick Woods, who missed last Friday’s 24-10 win over Cal, aren’t listed. The following Tigers are out:
Freshman safety Polo Anderson, freshman cornerback Shavar Young Jr., fifth-year wide receiver Cole Turner, junior running back David Eziomume, junior defensive tackle Kourtney Kelly, junior right guard Mason Wade, and senior defensive tackle Markus Strong.
The Hurricanes travel to South Carolina for a highlighted matchup, which could pave the way for the rest of ACC play. Despite heavy losses, reinforcements and depth are at Cristobal's disposal. However, a big test is waiting and very likely a hostile environment included.
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
