Johnson hopeful for Jordan’s return for Georgia Tech

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Matthew Jordan #11 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets carries the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Lane Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)

BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 12: Quarterback Matthew Jordan #11 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets carries the ball against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first half at Lane Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)

Georgia Tech quarterback Matthew Jordan, out for the remainder of spring practice with a foot injury, is expected to play for the Yellow Jackets this season.

“We expect Matthew to be back in the fall,” coach Paul Johnson said Wednesday following the team’s 10th spring-practice workout.

Whether that will be a return in time for preseason camp will depend on how smoothly his rehabilitation progresses.

Jordan suffered the non-contact injury in the Jackets’ scrimmage Saturday at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The team made an announcement Monday that he would miss the remaining portion of spring practice, which concludes April 21 with the spring game.

“We’ve issued our statement and stand by our statement,” Johnson said. “He’s out for the spring.”

Not having Jordan back in time for the preseason would be a setback for the Jackets, who open their season against Tennessee on Sept. 4 in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game. Having backed up quarterback Justin Thomas for the past two seasons, he went into the spring at the top of the depth chart.

However, Johnson has been encouraged by the competition that he has seen at the position from TaQuon Marshall, Lucas Johnson and Jay Jones.

“I want to see them all develop more,” he said. “I’ve been pleased with the way they’ve played for the most part this spring.”