MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With health being a major concern after the TCU game, the bye week came at the perfect time for WVU. But now that the Mountaineers are just days away from getting back on the field, what’s the status of some key players?
The first question asked of head coach Neal Brown during his weekly press conference was about the availability of Aubrey Burks, Tomas Rimac and Wyatt Milum. Brown said Rimac, a key member of WVU’s offensive line, will miss the game with the short week ahead of playing Thursday night. He then mentioned that Burks is considered “questionable” right now. Milum will be a game day decision.
Brown did add that Rimac is not done for the season and will likely return for their next home game against Oklahoma State. Burks, however, is a wait and see type of thing throughout the week. Coaches are preparing as if Burks won’t be able to play in Houston.
Burks had to be carted off the field against TCU and spent a couple nights in a Fort Worth, Texas hospital. He rejoined the team, along with linebacker Trey Lathan who will miss the remainder of the season, the Wednesday after the game. Burks’ tests results were negative and has been walking under his own power. All good signs for his overall health, but his playing status is still unclear.
Rimac also left the game and was replaced at left guard by Brandon Yates. Even though his injury did not appear to be severe at the time and he did limp off the field, it now appears like he will have to miss time while recovering.
Milum endured being racked in the eye and Brown previously compared his situation to a boxer and said his eye was too shut for him to go back in and play.
WVU and Houston will kickoff at 7 pm ET from John O’Quinn Field. The game will be televised nationally on FS1.
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