Perris Jones - AP
Virginia’s running back, Perris Jones, took a tough hit during the third quarter of their game against Louisville on Thursday night. He was later taken to the University of Louisville hospital, but there’s some good news—Jones had movement in all of his body parts when he got to the hospital.
Coach’s Encouragement
Coach Tony Elliott shared that he was receiving encouraging updates from the hospital about Jones. While Jones underwent an MRI at the hospital, Coach Elliott didn’t provide further details.
The incident occurred when Jones received a pass and started running but was met with a helmet-to-helmet hit. The hit caused him to fumble, and he ended up in a pile with several Louisville players. Since it happened near the Louisville sideline, their trainers rushed to help. Virginia’s Malik Washington picked up the fumble and scored a touchdown, but the main concern was Jones, with officials from both teams gathering around.
Team’s Emotional Reaction
Virginia players, visibly upset, took a knee as they watched in silence. Jones is roommates with fellow running back Mike Hollins, who survived a shooting that claimed the lives of three teammates last November. The first anniversary of their tragic passing is approaching.
Hospitalization and Support
After the incident, Jones was carefully placed on a cart, unable to move. Hollins was one of the players who approached the cart before it departed. Perry’s number 41, in memory of one of their lost teammates, was on the white tape Hollins wears on his arms.
Jones will stay at UofL Hospital for observation overnight, as confirmed by the team.
ESPN’s Harry Lyles Jr. reported that Virginia’s athletic director, Carla Williams, greeted Jones near the stadium tunnel and gave him a pat on the arm before he was taken away in an ambulance.
Elliott acknowledged the harsh reality of the sport, saying, “It’s a very, very difficult reality of the sport that we play. Every play can end that way. You don’t wish that for anybody, and I know one thing, PJ’s a tough young man. He lays it on the line every time he goes out there for this football team. I believe and pray he’s going to have a full recovery. I’m putting that in the Lord’s hands and I’m asking for that in advance, and believing that’s going to be the case.”
Game Outcome
The game continued, and the fumble recovery touchdown put Virginia in the lead at 21-14. However, Louisville staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning 31-24. This marked the fifth game this season that the Cavaliers lost by a touchdown or less.
This report used information from ESPN.
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