Virginia Tech wide receiver D.J. Coles will miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury, the school announced on Thursday.
The senior wide receiver injured his right knee during the first quarter of the Hokies' 20-17 overtime win against Georgia Tech on Monday night. Coles had offseason surgery on the knee to repair a torn PCL. While the injury occurred in the same knee, a school spokesperson said the injury was unrelated to his PCL.
Coles is scheduled to undergo an MRI in the coming days to determine the extent of the injury.
Virginia Tech's depth at wide receiver was a question mark heading into the regular season, after the departure of longtime starters Jarett Boykin and Danny Coale. Coles recorded 36 catches for 480 yards and three touchdowns in 2011, and the Hokies needed him to be a key piece in an inexperienced offensive unit.
Coles will be eligible to apply for a medical hardship waiver for an extra year of eligibility, meeting the NCAA requirements of having played in less than 30 percent of Virginia Tech's games this year.
His replacement likely will be fifth-year senior Dyrell Roberts, who earned an extra year after breaking his arm in the third game last season. Fellow senior Corey Fuller, who recorded five catches for 82 yards against Georgia Tech as well as a crucial fumble recovery after a Marcus Davis reception, also is likely to see more action.
Another player who could benefit from the injury is Demitri Knowles. Against Georgia Tech, the redshirt freshman pulled in a 42-yard touchdown pass from Logan Thomas that helped send the game into overtime.
Virginia Tech hosts Austin Peay this weekend at Lane Stadium.
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