UNC Football: Cornerback Patrice Rene out for the season with a torn ACL

The UNC football team received bad news following their win over Miami on Saturday. Senior cornerback Patrice Rene tore his ACL in the first half against the Hurricanes and will miss the remainder of the year.

It’s a tough break for Rene who has fought the injury bug throughout his time in Chapel Hill. A medical redshirt would allow him to return next season if he chooses despite the fact that he will graduate this December. That will be a decision for him to make in the coming months.

Trey Morrison, who had a strong showing against Miami despite being questionable following an injury in the South Carolina game, will be the next man up in Rene’s absence.

There was at least some positive injury news after it seemed like players were dropping like flies Saturday night. Senior center Nick Polino missed a significant chunk of the game against Miami following a lower extremity injury, but the staff is optimistic that he’ll be able to return before the end of the season. Unfortunately, they will be without him when Carolina takes on Wake Forest this Friday and there is no timetable yet for his return.

Injuries have been an issue for the football team over the last couple seasons. With all of the excitement around the program starting 2-0 this year, hopefully they won’t have to deal with many more significant injuries, especially with so many spots on the depth chart looking rather thin as it is.