The Virginia Cavaliers lost a narrow game against Louisville on Thursday night, but the focus of the program certainly shifted to the bigger picture nearing the end of the fourth quarter. As running back Perris Jones lay motionless on the ground, the game of football became secondary for a program that has gone through so much.
Following a scary few moments, positive updates started to come in following the game.
Perris Jones Injury Update: Positive Signs Start to Come
Jones caught a swing pass out of the backfield on a second and long, driving upfield before a head-on collision with multiple Louisville defenders. Absorbing the impact of the hit, Jones fumbled the ball and it bounced into the hands of WR Malik Washington.
Washington scooped up the football and ran the remaining 40 yards for a touchdown, giving UVA a 20-14 lead. But looking back behind him, Washington and the rest of those in attendance immediately knew the severity of the injury.
Jones lay motionless on the ground with trainers surrounding him almost instantly.
Following a lengthy delay to ensure they treated Jones with the appropriate care, Jones was carted away on a stretcher and into an ambulance off the TV screens.
With no immediate update given on the broadcast, fans and onlookers alike waited for even the slightest bit of news that would allow relief from the scary situation.
It wasn’t until after midnight Eastern time that the official Virginia Football Twitter account gave an update.
“UVA RB Perris Jones has regained movement in all of his extremities after being injured during Thursday’s Louisville game,” the post read. “In the third quarter, Jones was injured while catching a pass. Jones was taken to the U of L Medical Center. He will remain there Thursday night.”
During his postgame press conference, Virginia head coach Tony Elliott’s focus shifted toward any positive signs for Jones. The UVA social media accounts also stated that Elliott had received “encouraging” updates regarding Jones.
A longtime Cavalier, Jones has been with the Virginia program since 2019, enduring the tragic end of the 2022 season like so many other UVA members.
This is an ongoing story, we will update when there is more news surrounding Jones’ condition.