Va.Tech WR Coles out for season

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BLACKSBURG, Va., Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Virginia Tech wideout D.J. Coles will miss the remainder of the season after injuring his knee in the Hokies' season-opener, team officials said.

The senior receiver had offseason surgery to repair a ligament in the same knee that was injured following a low sideline tackle by Georgia Tech cornerback Rod Sweeting in the first quarter. Coles will undergo an MRI this week, but the injury is thought to be serious enough to cost Coles his season.

The team said Monday's injury is not related to the PCL he had surgically repaired in the offseason.

Under NCAA rules, Coles can apply to void this season because his injury occurred before he'd played 30 percent of the games. Because Coles never red-shirted, the NCAA is likely to grant such a request, meaning Coles could be eligible to return next season.

Coles has 39 career receptions for 507 yards and three touchdowns and looked to be a key part of the Hokies' passing attack this season, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reported.

In his absence, the team will likely turn to red-shirt freshman wideout Demitri Knowles, who caught a touchdown in the fourth quarter after Coles was injured.