Georgia Tech quarterback Tim Byerly, whom coach Paul Johnson said on his radio show Monday night has decided to have season-ending knee surgery, may apply for a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA to restore his final year of eligibility.
“There’s no guarantee that it would get granted, but he could shoot for one and come back,” Johnson said Tuesday after practice.
Byerly, a fifth-year senior, suffered the injury in practice Sept. 7 after the first game of the season. He meets the criteria of having played in less than 30 percent of his team’s games and having suffered the injury in the first half of the season. The injury must also be considered incapacitating and be accompanied by medical documentation.
Johnson said that Byerly’s family was considering the waiver application as an option. Another would be to earn his degree and not return. Johnson said he would be welcomed back. Were he to return, he would likely again serve as backup to Justin Thomas, who, barring unforeseen circumstances, will be a senior next season.
“I think anybody who’s been a big part of the program and been a good team player, you always take them back if they can get an extra year,” Johnson said.
Senior offensive tackle Errin Joe is contemplating a similar action to have the NCAA grant him a sixth year of eligibility. Joe missed the 2013 season after suffering a shoulder injury in the preseason that cost him the entire year.
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