Virginia Tech Football Winter, Pre-Spring Injury Updates

Virginia Tech associate athletics director for sports medicine, Mike Goforth, provided BeamerBall.com with a comprehensive list of football injury updates. Virginia Tech last released a Hokies injury update from Goforth in January.

Linebacker Devin Vandyke's football career is over. Goforth told BeamerBall.com, "Devin continues to have issues with his shoulder and will need surgery. At this point, we've recommended that he discontinue with his football. I think Devin understands that this is in his long term best interest and has accepted the fact that he will no longer be medically cleared to participate and will accept medical disqualification."

Devin's once promising career was derailed by a slew of injuries. In addition to the bum shoulder, his knee limited him in 2012 and forced a redshirt. A torn left ACL against Western Carolina sidelined him in 2013. He was ruled out for 6-8 weeks prior to the 2014 season with a right lower leg stress fracture. He wound up not playing a snap the entire season.

Jonathan McLaughlin is ready to roll. Virginia Tech's most experienced offensive tackle had season ending surgery after suffering a left ankle injury during the Boston College game. Goforth said, "He's really confident and he's looking great."

Tailback Shai McKenzie is limited for winter and spring, but according to Goforth expected to be full for summer. McKenzie tore his right ACL two times within a 53 week span. The first injury occurred on September 13, 2013, the second on September 20, 2014. He had knee surgery in October.

"We reconstructed his ACL and he's doing great," Goforth said.

When he's healthy, McKenzie is Virginia Tech's best running back.

McKenzie's backfield counterpart Marshawn Williams also tore his ACL last season. His happened against Duke, and he had knee surgery in mid-December. It's possible he too might be good to go this season.

"Had his knee surgery in mid-December, but he's looking great and really pushing through his rehab. I'm confident he'll be close for summer, and with the way he works, and his strength and attitude, I wouldn't bet against him."

Prior to Goforth's comments, I though both running backs would take a redshirt year before returning in 2016.

Cornerback Brandon Facyson won't participate in winter workouts and will be reevaluated for spring ball.

Defensive tackle Luther Maddy is healing up well.

"Very encouraged with him. He's doing phenomenal. We're going to hold him out of both Winter and Spring. We need him back healthy and ready to roll when summer rolls around," Goforth said.

Smart move not to play it cautious. There's plenty of depth at DT and no need to rush Big Lu back.

Additional note, there hasn't been an update on Facyson's or Maddy's medical hardship waiver requests.

Offensive lineman Braxton Pfaff's recovery from fall shoulder surgery is ahead of schedule. As Goforth put it, "He's just blowing through his rehab." Pfaff is limited in winter and spring.

Do-it-all-back Sam Rogers is now limited for spring, but full for summer.

Rover Zach Snell (wrists) will miss winter workouts and is limited for spring.

Linebacker Sean Huelskamp (ACL) is limited for winter and spring.

Punter A.J. Hughes (back surgery) is limited, but "progressing well."

Guard Kyle Chung (shoulder surgery) is out for winter for spring, but should be full for summer.

Defensive end Ken Ekanem (shoulder surgery) is out for winter and spring, but should be full by Summer.