NCAA FOOTBALL

Virginia’s Perris Jones can now move his limbs after brutal hit. What do we know?

While it’s clear that Virginia’s RB isn’t out of the woods, the good news is that he’s able to move once again after a brutal hit in the team’s last game.

ANDY LYONSAFP

Football is a rough game, that is certain. Yet, that does nothing to reduce the worry and concern we feel when we see players suffering truly severe injuries. Such was the case for Virginia’s running back this week. Now, starts the process of recovery and rehabilitation.

Virginia’s Perris Jones took a huge hit but he’s doing better

If you caught Virginia’s loss to No. 11 Louisville this week, then you most definitely saw the brutal hit that the Cavaliers’ running back, Perris Jones, received. Indeed, it was very much a scary moment for both players and fans alike. The good news is that on Thursday night, the team announced that Jones had regained movement in his extremities after the scary hit.

Regarding how and what happened, Jones was carrying the ball after receiving a pass from quarterback Anthony Colandrea at which point he was hit by Louisville’s Cam’Ron Kelly during the third quarter. As seen in replays, the contact between the two players was a full on helmet-to-helmet collision. Jones’ head could be seen arching backward after the hit. Following the blow, Jones was down on the field for several minutes and was eventually placed on a backboard before he was driven off the field. So grave was the moment that his teammates came onto the field and took a knee while Jones lay on the ground.

What next for Perris Jones and Virginia?

A running back with six years of experience, Jones was promptly taken to a nearby Louisville hospital where he remained overnight. It’s interesting to note that Virginia stated after Jones’ departure that there would be no further updates on his status, however, we can all rest a little easier now that we know that he’s already shown progress. Where the team itself is concerned, the incident in which Jones was involved resulted in a go-ahead touchdown for the Cavaliers as Jones inadvertently fumbled the ball after taking the hit, only to see wide receiver Malik Washington picking up and completing a touchdown run. Unfortunately, they were not able to hold on as the Cardinals responded in the fourth quarter with 10 points to secure a 31-24 win, and with that a slim shot at a spot in the College Football Playoff. As for Virginia, the Cavaliers now sit on a record of 9-1 and are now set to play Florida State in the ACC championship game.