Virginia quarterback Chandler Morris exited the game against Wake Forest due to an injury during the second quarter. The incident took place on Friday night in Charlottesville, VA, as the No. 12 Cavaliers were leading 3-0. Morris, who transferred from North Texas, scrambled for six yards on a second down when he was hit by Wake Forest defenders Travon West and Davaughn Patterson. The impact occurred as Morris slid down near the UVA 14-yard line, resulting in a 15-yard personal foul penalty against West.
Morris remained on the field for several minutes before managing to rise and walk gingerly to the sideline. He subsequently headed to the team’s locker room, and his status for the remainder of the game remains uncertain. Daniel Kaelin, Morris’s backup and a transfer from Nebraska, stepped in following the injury. On his first snap, Kaelin executed a 54-yard designed run, bringing the ball down to the 1-yard line. This impressive play significantly increased UVA’s offensive output, which had only mustered 45 total yards prior to Morris’s exit.
Kaelin’s run set the stage for Will Bettridge’s second field goal, extending the Cavaliers’ lead to 6-0 with 4:27 left in the first half. Before his injury, Morris completed 3 of 6 passes for 19 yards. Notably, he has been managing a left shoulder injury throughout the season, although Saturday’s injury did not seem directly related to that issue.
Impact of Chandler Morris’s Injury on UVA
- Chandler Morris injured during second quarter against Wake Forest.
- Game took place in Charlottesville, VA.
- UVA was leading 3-0 at the time of the injury.
- Daniel Kaelin took over as quarterback after Morris’s exit.
- Kaelin’s first snap gained 54 yards, significantly boosting UVA’s performance.
Looking Ahead
The team will need to monitor Morris’s condition closely as they prepare for future games. The effectiveness of Daniel Kaelin as a backup will also be crucial for the Cavaliers in handling the remainder of the season.
