Virginia’s Perris Jones required back surgery during Thursday night’s game against Louisville.
The The football program said Saturday Jones underwent spine surgery Friday at U of L Medical Center and was able to walk briefly Saturday.
“He remains under observation and will be transferred to the Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in Louisville for continued care as his medical team deems appropriate,” the team said.
Jones was taken off the field on a stretcher and taken to hospital following a horrific collision Louisville won 31-24.
On Friday, the school announced Jones “He regained movement in all his extremities.”
Jones had a big hit in the final minute of the third quarter when he caught a swing pass and moved downfield on a second-and-27 play. The hit got the ball loose, but it was picked off by Malik Washington, who ran into the end zone to give UVA a 20-14 lead.
But the celebration was short-lived as it was immediately apparent that Jones needed medical attention. The ESPN broadcast said trainers were immediately on the field to help Jones, who was placed on the backboard and taken off the field in a cart.
Players knelt while Jones received treatment. When Jones was loaded into the cart, the entire Virginia team surrounded him.
The game eventually restarted and Virginia kicked the extra point to make it 21-14. Louisville won 31-24.
In the post-match press conference, Virginia coach Tony Elliott said He received “encouraging” news from the hospital about Jones’ condition.
Contributed by: Associated Press
