Syracuse’s quarterback situation took another hit ahead of Saturday’s trip to North Carolina.
Amari Odom and Malachi Nelson have both been ruled out for the game, according to the ACC’s availability report. Odom is dealing with a shoulder injury, while Nelson is out with chest and foot issues.
That leaves the Orange with even less room to maneuver at the most important position on the field. Odom last played in Syracuse’s overtime win at Connecticut on Oct.
- Nelson stepped in for the next two games after Steve Angeli was sidelined.
Angeli’s status remains unsettled. The opening week starter is listed as questionable for a third straight week, and his availability has been handled with the same clouded secrecy that surrounded him before last week’s 34-26 loss to Louisville. He had been questionable on the previous report after returning to practice, then was downgraded to doubtful before ultimately being ruled out.
Nelson had started Syracuse’s last two games, but his run was interrupted by injuries as well. He took a deep rib bruise in the Oct. 10 loss at Virginia, then picked up a right foot injury in last Saturday’s loss to Louisville.
With Odom and Nelson both unavailable, Syracuse is left thin at quarterback. If Angeli cannot play, Georgetown transfer Danny Lauter would likely get the start after finishing the Orange’s last two games.
So far this season, Syracuse’s two victories have come with Odom and Angeli under center. Angeli’s season has been uneven since the Week 1 win over FCS New Hampshire, and he has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns.
The injury report also lists linebacker Antoine Deslauriers and kicker Tripp Woody as questionable. Deslauriers, dealing with a shoulder/neck issue, did not play against Louisville. Woody, meanwhile, has been part of the worst kicking operation in the country.
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