When Miami takes the field against Virginia in Charlottesville Saturday, the Hurricanes will do so down at least one starting offensive lineman, possibly two.
On the team’s injury report Thursday, The U confirmed that center Nick Linder has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. While the football program only describes it as an upper extremity injury, it had previously been reported that the lineman hurt his shoulder and underwent surgery Wednesday.
Linder had started 22 games in a row for the ‘Canes the past two seasons. He had also started three games in 2014.
In addition to Linder, fellow starting lineman Trevor Darling is listed as doubtful with a lower extremity injury. The left tackle sustained the injury, believed to involve his knee, during practice this week.
If Darling is unable to go, Kc McDermott would move from left guard to tackle, with Tyler Gauthier replacing McDermott. Senior Alex Gall will make his first start this season and seventh of his career in place of Linder.