The University of Miami could face Virginia in a critical ACC Coastal Division showdown Saturday without two of its top defensive players.
Safety Deon Bush has not been able to practice since he sustained an undisclosed head or neck injury while making a tackle in UM’s 30-12 victory against Virginia Tech last Thursday. Bush, who has started six of Miami’s past seven games, did not return after the injury.
Coach Al Golden said Tuesday that “it’s going to be tough” for Bush to play against the Cavaliers.
“If I had to list him today (on UM’s injury report), he’d be doubtful,” Golden said.
The status of outside linebacker Denzel Perryman also remains in question.
Perryman, UM’s third-leading tackler despite missing two games and most of a third, has been bothered by a right ankle injury he originally hurt against Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 15. He reinjured the ankle in practice leading up to the Virginia Tech game and played only a few snaps against the Hokies. Perryman has worn a boot and has not taken part if practice.
Golden indicated a determination on Perryman’s availability for Saturday could be made after Wednesday’s practice.
Kacy Rodgers would likely replace Bush in the starting lineup while Gionni Paul would open against Virginia if Perryman can’t play.
