Virginia Tech injury updates: Brent Pry offers latest on Bhayshul Tuten, others

The Virginia Tech Hokies and head coach Brent Pry are hoping to be as healthy as possible before their road trip to Syracuse. That includes hoping to get running back Bhayshul Tuten back for the game.

After wide receiver Jaylin Lane went on the ACC Network and said Bhayshul Tuten would be good to go, Brent Pry walked back his comments. Pry did also praise Tuten for his toughness and listed him as portable, rather than announcing he would definitely play.

“Last I checked Jaylin didn’t have a medical degree,” Brent Pry said. “I think Bhayshul is probable right now. Again, I won’t know much more until today and tomorrow to feel better about it. He is tough. I think we all know that. It was a decent injury that you obviously — we’re concerned about. But, I’m kind of like [Jaylin Lane], not in the dramatic sense with Bhayshul but that he’s tough and if he’s got an opportunity to play, he will.”

Tuten left the game against Georgia Tech with an apparent ankle injury. He was later seen in a walking boot, leading to the concern about whether or not he’d be able to play for Virginia Tech this week.

This season, Tuten has put up massive numbers for Virginia Tech, rushing for 951 yards and 12 touchdowns in eight games this season. He also has 18 receptions for 56 yards and two touchdowns. After his four-touchdown game against Boston College, Pry praised him, saying, “He’s a dog,” after the game about Tuten’s performance.

Brent Pry went on to share the update that left tackle Xavier Chaplin will also be probable for the game against Syracuse this weekend. He was twice down on the field, seemingly injured in the Georgia Tech game, which has left him banged up, though Pry emphasized that he’s a tough player.

“He’s got the shoulder that’s kind of been ongoing a little bit,” Pry said. “He got leg whipped, kind of a minor bone bruise. I’d say Xavier is probably also. He’s a tough guy.”

At 5-3 on the season, Virginia Tech is one win away from getting bowl-eligible this season. They’re going to be going for that sixth win in a tough environment against a good Syracuse team. So, having the offense fully healthy would be huge for the Hokies. That would make two straight seasons going to a bowl game under Brent Pry after missing bowl eligibility for the first time in the 21st century in 2022.