While Virginia’s football team lost 31-24 to Louisville on Thursday night, the Cavaliers and the rest of the college football world got a positive update far more important than the game’s result.
Virginia running back Perris Jones was knocked out of the game on a strange play late in the third quarter. He was hit hard a few steps after catching a swing pass. Jones fumbled the ball, which bounced into the hands of teammate Malik Washington, who recovered the fumble and sprinted down the sidelines for a touchdown.
Jones, though, was knocked out on the play. He was quickly tended to but did not move, bringing a complete hush to the stadium. Eventually, Jones was strapped onto a stretcher, carted off of the field and taken to the nearby University of Louisville Hospital.
The only update given on television was that Jones did not move when Virginia athletic director Carla Williams patted him on the arm, but that his eyes were open. But shortly after midnight, UVA Football tweeted out an encouraging update.
“UVA RB Perris Jones has regained movement in all of his extremities after being injured during Thursday’s Louisville game,” the update said. “In the 3rd quarter, Jones was injured while catching a pass. Jones was taken by ambulance to the U of L Medical Center. He will remain there Thursday night.”
UVA RB Perris Jones has regained movement in all of his extremities after being injured during Thursday’s Louisville game.
In the 3rd quarter, Jones was injured while catching a pass. Jones was taken by ambulance to the U of L Medical Center. He will remain there Thursday night.
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) November 10, 2023
Naturally, there was a lot of concern over Jones’ condition at the time of his injury. So, football fans were relieved to see this update.
Best news of the night: https://t.co/BfXtEAsmcL
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 10, 2023
Some more good news about Perris Jones from #UVA https://t.co/cVgAjKGXf7
— Jacquie Franciulli (@JacquieFran_) November 10, 2023
Thank God! https://t.co/Pw9oH7C4sE
— Corito (@OyyyeeeCorito86) November 10, 2023
Fantastic news. I hope he is better soon! 🧡 https://t.co/gw0WzUkMGb
— Holly&Go (@hawkchick11) November 10, 2023
Encouraging news from UVA https://t.co/XQc5hwcwJP
— Eric Crawford (@ericcrawford) November 10, 2023
Best news of the night. #UVa https://t.co/c2DLBh4Pb8
— David Teel (@ByDavidTeel) November 10, 2023
[Virginia Football on Twitter/X]