Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas left Saturday’s game against North Carolina late in the third quarter with an upper-body injury. Thomas, the Yellow Jackets’ most indispensable player, walked off the field under his own power near the end of the quarter.
Thomas was injured on a 21-yard run, lying on the field as Tech’s training staff attended to him. On the bench, a training staff member appeared to treat his jaw or neck.
Center Freddie Burden, not far down the list from Thomas of most important players, also left the game in the second half with an upper-body injury and did not return. Coach Paul Johnson did not have updates on either after the game.
Both have started every game for Tech since the 2014 season opener, a stretch of 35 games.
Matthew Jordan came in for Thomas, who last week won a national player of the week award for his standout effort against Duke. Against North Carolina, which was better able to beat blocks and create pass-rush pressure, Thomas still had a commendable performance. He left the game with 82 rushing yards on 15 carries and completed five of 10 pass attempts for 184 yards and a touchdown.
Burden’s sub was freshman Kenny Cooper.
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