Virginia could be without key All-ACC player in season-opener against Tennessee Vols

The Virginia Cavaliers could be without a key All-ACC defender on September 2 when they open the 2023 season against the Tennessee Vols in Nashville.  Virginia head coach Tony Elliott told reporters on Monday that All-ACC defensive end Chico Bennett, a redshirt senior, suffered an injury during practice and there's currently no timetable for his […]

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Virginia Cavaliers could be without a key All-ACC defender on September 2 when they open the 2023 season against the Tennessee Vols in Nashville. 

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott told reporters on Monday that All-ACC defensive end Chico Bennett, a redshirt senior, suffered an injury during practice and there's currently no timetable for his return to action. 

"Still going through the process of trying to get all the information together to figure out exactly what it is," said Elliott. "It was a freak deal. We were out at practice, he finishes the scrimmage, takes a knee and then pops up and his knee stiffened up. So we're still trying to go through the scans and figure out exactly what it is. But I don't have a timetable yet. Because we just started the scanning process this morning, so I'll be able to update you at a later date. I've never seen anything like it to be honest with you….right now it's just waiting on the doctors to tell us what it is." 

According to 247Sports, Bennett was seen walking on crutches with a brace on his knee. 

Bennett, who transferred to Virginia from Georgia Tech after the 2020 season, totaled 7.0 sacks for the Cavaliers last season in 10 games. He also had 7.5 tackles for loss last season. 

It's certainly possible that Bennett could receive good news and be ready to go by the season-opener against the Vols. 

But with just over two weeks remaining before the season kicks off, it seems unlikely that the All-ACC pass rusher will play against Tennessee. 

Featured image via Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports