Florida State has been forced to deal with significant injuries to key players throughout the 2016 season, and now the Seminoles have been dealt yet another issue on the health front.
Following practice Thursday, Jimbo Fisher revealed that Jacob Pugh will not play in Saturday’s game against Syracuse. The junior linebacker sustained a concussion during practice Wednesday, leading to the decision to hold him out this weekend.
After starting four games last season, Pugh had started six of 10 contests this season. He had started the last two games at strongside linebacker.
Pugh’s 34 tackles are sixth on the Seminoles, while his 3.5 sacks and five sacks are fourth and fifth, respectively.
As for a replacement, it appears the nod will go primarily to Brian Burns. The freshman has played in 10 games this season, and he’s second on the team sacks (5.5) and third in tackles for loss (6.5).
“Burns and some other guys [will get] in there,” Fisher said in quotes distributed by the school. “They will. They’ve taken reps all year and Brian has played a ton of football. They should be ready to go.”