Georgia Tech quarterback Zach Pyron will miss the Yellow Jackets’ final two games of the season after suffering a broken clavicle during a loss to Miami on Saturday. Ken Sugiura of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the news. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pyron had been playing in place of starting QB Jeff Sims, who suffered a sprained foot against Virginia on Oct. 20 and won’t play for the rest of the season.
- Through three games this season, Pyron has completed 49 of 82 passing attempts for 565 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions.
- The Yellow Jackets will face No. 13 North Carolina on Nov. 19 and No. 1 Georgia on Nov. 26 to close out their season.
Background
Pyron, a freshman, got his first start against Virginia Tech on Nov. 5 and led the Yellowjackets to a comeback 28-27 victory over the Hokies. When he exited the game against Miami in the second half due to the injury, Zach Gibson took over. Sims “was deemed (available in) an emergency basis in the game,” according to interim head coach Brent Key, but the quarterback did not play. When asked further questions about Sims’ availability after the loss on Saturday, Key replied “he wasn’t able to go in” with no additional explanation.
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Georgia Tech is 4-6 this season and would need to win its final games to become bowl eligible.
Who could Tech turn to at QB now?
The Jackets have three other quarterbacks on the roster, but the choices aren’t as simple as that might suggest. Sims, the incumbent starter, hasn’t played since injuring his foot against Virginia. (More on him shortly.) Gibson, the sophomore who replaced Sims in the Virginia game and started and played briefly the following week at Florida State, has completed only 49 percent of his attempts (25 for 51) with one touchdown, two interceptions and nine sacks. Taisun Phommachanh, a sophomore transfer from Clemson, hasn’t taken a snap. – Schultz
Sims’ availability moving forward
Key said Tuesday that Sims will “not be with the football team” for the rest of the season and will spend time with the training staff.
All appearances were that Sims was medically cleared to play for Saturday’s game against Miami, and the team announced before kickoff that he was “available” in an “emergency situation.” But Key started Pyron, and when the quarterback left the game with an injury Sims was not brought in.
It remains a possibility Sims will transfer, which he chose not to do after the 2021 season. – Schultz
Required reading
(Photo: Brett Davis / USA Today)
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