BREAKING: FSU Star Defensive End Jared Verse Injured In First Half Against Wake Forest
Florida State is locked up in a battle on the road with Wake Forest in the first half. The Seminoles lead 10-7 after some promising sequences on both sides of the ball. The defense started well early as they limited the Demon Deacons to 15 yards and two three-and-outs during their first three drives of the contest.
READ MORE: NoleGameday Staff Score Predictions For Florida State's Game Against Wake Forest
Unfortunately for the 'Noles, they may have to find a way to continue creating momentum on defense without one of their top stars. Towards the end of the first quarter, defensive end Jared Verse stayed down on the field after getting involved in a tackle attempt.
Verse was briefly assisted by the trainers while seeming to indicate towards his face. He ended up heading right to the locker room with a trainer holding onto his helmet after they looked at his eye. It remains to be seen if Verse is able to return to the game for the Seminoles.
In the immediate aftermath of his absence, Verse was replaced by backup defensive end Gliber Edmond in the rotation. The defense has only played three snaps since he departed to the locker room so the rotation could shift as the game continues to unfold.
On the season, Verse has totaled 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and two pass deflections in eight starts. In the first drive without him on the field, the Seminole surrendered a touchdown to Wake Forest that was aided by a 51-yard run.
Florida State entered the contest without the services of multiple starters and members of the two-deep. The players out of the lineup due to injury include wide receiver Johnny Wilson, wide receiver Destyn Hill, wide receiver Hykeem Williams, defensive tackle Dennis Briggs, defensive back Edwin Joseph, and defensive back KJ Kirkland.
NoleGameday will continue to provide updates on Verse's status as they become available.
UPDATE 1:22 PM: Jared Verse has returned to the game with 6:35 remaining in the first half. ESPN reported that he's using an icepack on his left eye between drives.
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