Haynes King and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets are still mathematically alive in the ACC and a win away from a bowl game in 2024. Crazier things have happened in the Atlantic Coast Conference in years past, but the Jackets will certainly need their starting QB if they want to cause chaos.
The latest updates around King’s health didn’t sound too good, however, despite head coach Brent Key’s best attempts.
What Happened to Haynes King?
King missed the first game of his Georgia Tech career a week ago, following the game against North Carolina back on October 12 that saw him exit with 11 minutes to go. It has been stated, though rather tight-lipped, that it is a right shoulder injury for King.
He was replaced by Zach Pyron, who also got the start a week ago for Tech, in the North Carolina game, and appears that Pyron would also be in line to start against Virginia Tech in Week 9 if King cannot go.
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The nature of the injury isn’t quite unknown, but what is known is that he left the game in the fourth quarter and it was an injury great enough to keep him out of the lineup completely against Notre Dame.
Pyron led the team in rushing against Notre Dame and threw for 269 yards against the Irish.
Is Haynes King Playing vs. Virginia Tech?
As it stands right now, the updates from Georgia Tech’s head coach did not sound all too promising.
“If we were to play right now, it’d be a no,” Key said about the status of King.
Key went on to elaborate a bit more, stating that he’s improving and the team was keeping him day-to-day.
“He’s improving every day,” Key said. “If it was something that definitely would be out right now we’d say it. But I’m still holding on hope.”
As confident as a coach can try to sound, holding on to hope for King is one thing, but blatantly losing faith in your backup quarterback at the same time is another.
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Key also stated that LB Kyle Efford would be a game-time decision to play but WR Malik Rutherford, DB Rodney Shelley, and RB Trey Cooley would all play against Virginia Tech.
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