Report: Seminoles To Be Without Star Wide Receiver Against Syracuse
Florida State is only a couple of hours away from kicking off its second straight home game. The Seminoles will continue a homestand in Doak Campbell Stadium with a conference affair against the Syracuse Orange.
Coming off a BYE week and a strong win over Virginia Tech, FSU is relatively healthy but there are still some question marks surrounding a couple of members of the two deep. That includes the status of star wide receiver Johnny Wilson, who was knocked out of the game against the Hokies in the third quarter.
Despite optimism from head coach Mike Norvell earlier in the week, it appears that Wilson is not going to be able to suit up on Saturday. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, The Seminoles are expected to be without one of their top offensive threats as Wilson will be sidelined.
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That's disappointing news for a Florida State team that has been trending in the right direction healthwise. The Seminoles saw safety Akeem Dent, left tackle Robert Scott, wide receiver Ja'Khi Douglas, and wide receiver Kentron Poitier return to the lineup last weekend.
Thamel also reported that Scott, tight end Jaheim Bell, and linebacker Tatum Bethune will suit up against the Orange. Bless Harris is expected to be a game-time decision.
On Monday, Norvell noted that he was 'hopeful' to get Wilson back at practice early in the week. It wasn't immediately clear when he went down if he suffered a lower-body injury or potential concussion.
"It's gonna be something that we see as we go throughout the course of the week. Johnny was feeling better yesterday and so we're excited about where we think it can go but we will ultimately take it day by day this week," Norvell said to start off the week. "I thought he did a wonderful job there in the first half on Saturday and he really has taken his game to another level just in how he played and what he's been able to do. Hopeful to be able to get him back rolling back here early in the week."
The Seminoles will turn to fellow standout wide receiver Keon Coleman as well as Douglas and Poitier to step up with Wilson out of the lineup. Coleman has caught 20 passes for 278 yards and a team-leading six touchdowns while the other two have yet to record a reception this season.
Wilson caught his first two touchdowns of the year in the win against Virginia Tech. He ranks first on the team with 20 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns.
Florida State and Syracuse are scheduled to kick off at 12:00 p.m. on ABC.
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