:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56508605/usa_today_9516877.0.jpg)
Virginia Cavaliers head football coach Bronco Mendenhall confirmed in his Monday press conference that an injury during the William and Mary game will end cornerback Tim Harris’ season.
Bronco: Tim Harris is done for the year. He has had a significant injury to his wrist. He has to have surgery.
— Virginia Football (@UVa_Football) September 4, 2017
There were hints in the depth chart for the Indiana game, released a few minutes before Mendenhall’s press conference began. One was a number change for Doni Dowling, from #7 to Harris’ #5. Mendenhall confirmed that Dowling requested the switch to honor Harris.
Bronco: Doni Dowling asked me yesterday if he could wear No. 5 the rest of the season as a tribute to Tim and I thought it was a great idea.
— Virginia Football (@UVa_Football) September 4, 2017
Harris played in only two games in 2016 before an injury cut his season short last year as well. His bio page on the team site indicates he was already planning to apply for a medical hardship waiver that would gain Harris an extra season of eligibility. This unfortunate news would seem to strengthen Harris’ case for that waiver.
Freshman Germane Crowell will start in place of Harris against Indiana on Saturday.