D’Eriq King may have lost the starting quarterback job for the Miami Hurricanes after picking up a shoulder injury.
The Miami Hurricanes have not gotten off to the greatest start to the 2021 season, as evidenced by their blowout loss to the Alabama Crimson Tide in their season-opener. Things appeared to have gotten worse on Saturday, when starting quarterback D’Eriq King was ruled out of Miami’s game against Central Connecticut State due to a shoulder injury. Tyler Van Dyke led the Hurricanes to a 69-0 win to give them a 2-2 record.
After the game, Miami head coach Manny Diaz revealed that King was “limited in motion and movements,” while saying they will give the quarterback time for his shoulder to heal. Diaz then gave a non-committal answer as to whether King will get the start for this Thursday’s game against Virginia if he were cleared to play.
That quote comes courtesy of The Athletic’s Manny Navarro, which you can see in the tweet below.
Manny Diaz said QB D'Eriq King is limited in motion and movements. Diaz said his plan is to give his shoulder time. Asked who would start Thursday if King can't go and if we might see more split playing time: "Whatever gives us the best chance to win is what we'll do."
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) September 25, 2021
Tyler Van Dyke shines with D’Eriq King sidelined with shoulder injury
King being ruled out of the Central Connecticut State game was not necessarily a shock, considering he carried a doubtful designation throughout the week. The injury occurred during the team’s 38-17 loss to the Michigan State Spartans.
The freshman Van Dyke took advantage of the favorable matchup and thrived in his first start under center. Van Dyke completed all but one of his 11 pass attempts for 270 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Jake Garcia also received playing time during the blowout victory. Garcia completed 11-of-14 throws for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
King’s status will be worth monitoring throughout the short-week. If he is deemed 100-percent, it will be interesting to see what Diaz will do at quarterback against the Cavaliers this Thursday.
For more NCAA football news, analysis, opinion and unique coverage by FanSided, including Heisman Trophy and College Football Playoff rankings, be sure to bookmark these pages.