MORGANTOWN — West Virginia returned to practice Tuesday with two great stories, and unfortunately, one sad one.
We begin with the good news, which is the return of freshman running back C.J. Donaldson from a severe concussion, and defensive back Charles Woods from ankle surgery.
Both will get to practice this week, as the Mountaineers (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) prepare to face Texas Tech (3-3, 1-2) on Saturday in Lubbock.
The sad news is junior tight end Mike O’ Laughlin is having a third surgery on his knee and will miss the rest of the season.
“He’ll have surgery this week on the knee,” WVU head coach Neal Brown said. “He’s out for the year, and I’m really hurt for him. It’s a tough deal, it’s his third time. I feel for him, he was playing at a high level.”
O’Laughlin returned this season after a second surgery cut his 2021 season short. He played in five games this season and caught five passes for 66 yards before getting hurt against Texas.
O’Laughlin did not dress for last week’s victory against Baylor.
As for Donaldson, Brown said if the freshman could get through practice Tuesday symptom-free, then he would be cleared to play against the Red Raiders.
It was just three weeks ago Donaldson — WVU’ s second-leading rusher with 389 yards — was being carted off the DKR Texas Memorial Stadium field in a neck brace, after going down hard in the third quarter.
He was admitted to a local Texas hospital, but cleared to fly back with the team following the game.
“It was very emotional when it happened. Both sidelines were cleared,” WVU quarterback J.T. Daniels said. “C.J. is a tough kid. He likes being around and playing football. He’s always got a smile and having fun. I’m just happy to have him out here.”
Woods injured his ankle in the season-opener against Pitt and had surgery following that game.
The Mountaineers’ secondary has been under pressure since his departure. West Virginia is seventh in the Big 12 in pass defense, giving up nearly 263 yards per game.
WVU is allowing 15.3 yards per completion, which is last in the conference.
“We’re going to practice Charles Woods some today, and we’ll kind of know more,” Brown said. “I’m hopeful (for his return), I won’t say any more than that.
“We’re going to practice him a little bit. If he does play, it will be in a reduced role. By no means will he be in every play.”
Against a pass-happy Texas Tech — the Red Raiders lead the Big 12 with 365 passing yards per game — any action from Woods could be a plus.
“Your best players are your best leaders,” WVU defensive coordinator Jordan Lesley said. “Guys who make plays, (other) guys will respond to that. If he’s able to help us in any way, shape or form, it will be a boost to our guys.”
WVU will likely enter the game without defensive back Wesley McCormick, who Brown said was doubtful. Andrew Wilson-Lamp will miss the first half due to him being ejected on a targeting call against Baylor last week.
Brown said the school appealed Wilson-Lamp’s targeting call to the Big 12 office, but that appeal was denied.
With O’Laughlin out, WVU turned to both Brian Polendey, a fifth-year transfer who has also played at Miami and Colorado State, as well as freshman Treylan Davis at tight end.
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