Virginia football’s Tony Muskett “day-to-day” with shoulder injury ahead of JMU matchup

Virginia Cavaliers football head coach Tony Elliott announced today that starting quarterback Tony Muskett is day-to-day ahead of Saturday’s matchup against James Madison after he left UVA’s season opener versus Tennessee with a left shoulder injury.

“Tony’s day to day,” said Elliott. “He’s getting more range of motion in his shoulder. He wants to play and he’s pushing to play every day, but right now he’s day to day with the shoulder. It’d be a game-time decision on if he could go.”

Muskett having a chance to play against JMU is a huge development for the ‘Hoos not only for Saturday’s matchup, but also for the season as a whole. There was a non-zero chance that Muskett could’ve been lost for the season so it’s huge for the Monmouth transfer to have a chance to be good to go seven days later.

In his first game in the orange and blue Muskett displayed his willingness to step into throws, take hits, and fire the ball into tight windows. He similarly has good pocket presence, despite it constantly collapsing on him against the Vols.

If Muskett is out against JMU, Elliott confirmed that true freshman Anthony Colandrea will start in his place and emphasized the staff’s confidence in him should that happen. Colandrea “has a moxie about him,” said Elliott, adding that “we have a plan for him. He’s got leadership qualities, playmaking ability.”

Colandrea did flash his legs and arm strength when he came in for Muskett, and he still gives UVA a chance if Muskett is hurt. But the experience and talent that Muskett has will be invaluable for the Wahoo offense when he does return.

As for the remaining injuries that Virginia is dealing with, defensive tackle Olasunkonmi Agunloye is unfortunately out for the season per Elliott. Agunloye has undergone surgery to his knee after suffering an injury after slipping on the sideline after recovering a fumble. That’s a big loss for UVA’s defensive tackle depth, and it’s a real shame that Agunloye will miss a season when he looked primed to break out.

Fortunately, Agunloye is UVA’s only season-ending injury at the moment. Defensive edge Chico Bennett — who missed the Tennessee game while recovering from a minor knee injury — is also day-to-day according to Elliott while being limited in practice. Safety Antonio Clary has also been limited and will be another game time decision.

Elliott also provided updates on tight end Sackett Woods, linebacker Josh Ahern, and safety Lex Long who are all probable after being dinged up versus Tennessee. Offensive tackle Jimmy Christ has been cleared to practice and is a full go, but may still miss the James Madison game while getting back into game shape, according to Elliott.