Malachi Thomas Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries with our NCAA FOOTBALL injury report.Nov 27, 2023
Scores in win
Thomas notched seven carries for 29 yards and one touchdown and gathered in all three targets for five yards during Saturday's 55-17 victory against Virginia.
ANALYSIS
Thomas scored his second touchdown of the season on a 7-yard run during the fourth quarter. The 6-foot running back closes out the regular season with 78 carries for 358 yards and two touchdowns while reeling in nine of 13 targets for 51 yards.
Oct 31, 2023
Modest production in win
Thomas logged 13 rushes for 87 yards and gathered in one two targets for four yards during Thursday's 38-10 victory versus Syracuse.
ANALYSIS
Thomas finished this matchup with a season-high in carries and yards. The redshirt sophomore was second in all rushing categories behind Bhayshul Tuten (18-118-1). He will hope to earn more touches after this performance for Saturday's upcoming meeting against Louisville.
Oct 10, 2023
Efficient with touches
Thomas logged 10 carries for 58 yards and hauled in all two targets for 23 yards during Saturday's 39-17 defeat to Florida State.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has back-to-back week with at least 10 carries and finished with his highest yards-per-carry average of the season (5.8). Although the redshirt sophomore led the team in carries during this matchup, he will continue to split work with running back Bhayshul Tuten (8). The six-foot running back will look to earn more opportunities for the upcoming match against Wake Forest.
Sep 7, 2023
Solid workload in opener
Thomas compiled 12 rushes for 22 yards and reeled in all two targets for 12 yards during Saturday's 36-17 victory over Old Dominion.
ANALYSIS
Thomas got 12 carries in Week 1, but was mostly splitting time with Bhaysul Tuten, who paced the Hokies in carries with 19. Thomas wasn't the most efficient on the ground, but it's good to see him get involved in the passing game as well with two receptions. Thomas looks slated for a second-fiddle role in Virginia Tech's offense as the season continues.
May 12, 2023
Overcomes ankle injury
Thomas has healed from his ankle injury, Damien Sordelett of the Roanoke Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas appears to be fully healthy following the Hokies spring practice period. The running back was limited to just three games last season due to multiple injuries, including an ankle injury that forced him to miss Virginia Tech's last four games. In his third season in Blacksburg, he's expected to be the top tailback, followed by Bhayshul Tuten.
Nov 19, 2022
Remains out Saturday
Thomas (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game versus Liberty, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Despite being a limited practice participant this week, Thomas won't play in, Saturday's contest due to an ankle injury. With Thomas out, Keshawn King and Jalen Holston should see increased workloads.
Nov 16, 2022
Participates in practice
Thomas (ankle) was able to participate in at least a portion of practice, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was able to participate in drills, although it's unclear how much contact work he did with that portion of practice being closed off to reporters. He's currently airing on the side of doubtful for the Hokies' game against Liberty.
Nov 15, 2022
Unlikely to play Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against Liberty, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas will likely miss a third straight game due to an ankle injury. Keshawn King should continue garnering an increased role in Thomas' expected absence.
Nov 12, 2022
Won't play Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is out for Saturday's game versus Duke, David Cunningham of Tech Sideline reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas also missed last week's game versus Georgia Tech due to an ankle injury. Thomas' next chance to play will be next Saturday's game against Liberty. Keshawn King is in line to get the majority of the team's carries with the sophomore running back out.
Nov 8, 2022
Unlikely to play Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's matchup against Duke, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas will likely miss a second straight game due to an ankle injury. In his expected absence, Keshawn King (undisclosed) is expected to take over as the top running back again.
Nov 5, 2022
Won't play Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is not dressed in uniform and is in a walking boot ahead of Saturday's game versus Georgia Tech, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was inactive in practice this week, so his absence is expected. The sophomore running back had appeared in the team's last three games before missing the first five weeks. With Thomas out, Keshawn King should take over as the top running back.
Nov 2, 2022
Inactive Wednesday
Thomas (ankle) did not participate in practice on Wednesday, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was carted off the field during Thursday's game against NC State, and he was unable to suit up for Wednesday's practice. The sophomore running back has appeared in three games this season, logging 37 carries for 146 yards and one touchdown. Thomas will remain doubtful for Saturday's matchup with Georgia Tech.
Nov 1, 2022
Doubtful for Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday's game against Georgia Tech, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was carted off the field during the team's previous matchup after appearing to get his ankle rolled up on and will likely remain sidelined for at least one contest. In his presumed absence, expect Jalen Holston to garner a sizable role against Georgia Tech.
Oct 27, 2022
Carted back to locker room
Thomas was carted off to the locker room at the end of the third quarter Thursday against NC STate after appearing to get his ankle rolled up on at the end of a play, David Cunningham of Tech Sideline reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas exited the game with nine carries for just 21 yards and two catches for 34 yards. Jalen Holston was the only other tailback with a carry before Thomas went out and figures to be the lead back for the rest of Thursday's action.
Oct 16, 2022
Hauls in touchdown grab Saturday
Thomas rushed for 41 yards to go along with six receptions for 43 yards and one touchdown in Saturday's 20-14 loss to Miami.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has touchdowns in back-to-back games, playing a large role in the offense upon his return to the field in week six. The running back struggled to get much going on the ground following a 16-yard carry to open Saturday's game, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry in the loss. Thomas beat a defender in the flat to score a 14-yard receiving touchdown, his first of the season.
Oct 8, 2022
Poised for potential debut
Thomas (ankle) is warming up ahead of Saturday's game versus Pittsburgh, David Cunningham of The Tech Sideline reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has yet to make an appearance this season due to an ankle injury. However, Virginia Tech coach Brent Pry told reporters that Thomas "looked great" after practice Wednesday.
Oct 1, 2022
Warming up for possible 2022 debut
Thomas (ankle) is warming up ahead of Saturday's game against North Carolina,Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
This could be Thomas' first game action of the season after being sidelined with an ankle injury. Coach Brent Pry said earlier in the week it was possible Thomas would suit up and that appears to be the case.
Sep 27, 2022
Chance to play Saturday
Coach Brent Pry said Thomas (ankle) will practice Tuesday and is "a candidate for this weekend," Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.
ANALYSIS
Pry has yet to suit up this year, but it appears he'll have a chance to make his season debut against North Carolina. When available, he should garner a sizable workload after running for 440 yards and three scores as a freshman last year.
Sep 22, 2022
Out as expected
Thomas (ankle) is officially ruled out for Thursday's game against West Virginia, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was viewed as a long shot to suit up for Thursday's contest and officially will miss his fourth straight game to open up the year. The sophomore continues to be ruled as week-to-week, leaving a possible return open for Oct. 1 against UNC. Keshawn King and Jalen Holston should continue to man most of the work out of the backfield until Thomas is back.
Sep 21, 2022
Not listed on depth chart
Thomas (ankle) is not listed on the Hokies' depth chart ahead of Thursday's game against West Virginia, Christopher Hall of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas has not appeared this season while nursing an ankle injury. It is unclear when the running back will make his return to the field, though he has been listed as week-to-week for about a month. His next chance to return is Oct. 1 against North Carolina.
Sep 17, 2022
Likely to remain out Saturday
Thomas (ankle) is not warming up ahead of Saturday's game against Wofford,Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Virginia Tech appears to be letting Thomas rehab for another week as the Hokies host an FCS opponent. Look for Virginia Tech to utilize Keshawn King, Jalen Holston, and Chance Black against Wofford. Virginia Tech hosts West Virginia in Week 4.
Sep 14, 2022
Limited practice participant
Thomas (ankle) was in uniform but was limited in practice on Wednesday, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas yet to play in 2022 for Virginia Tech. However, he is expected to be the lead running back when he returns, which could be against Wofford this Saturday.
Sep 10, 2022
Not dressed versus Boston College
Thomas is not in uniform ahead of Saturday's game against Boston College, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas also missed Virginia Tech's season-opener with ankle injury. The sophomore running back was not expected to play this week, and will likely target Week 3 against Wofford as his return date.
Sep 7, 2022
Long shot to play
Thomas's head coach Brent Pry said he's a "long shot" to play Saturday, David Cunningham of TechSideline reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas is trying to build on a promising freshman season where he totaled 440 yards rushing and three touchdowns on 93 carries. He's reportedly recovering quickly, but is still doubtful to see his first action of the season Sunday against Boston College.
Sep 7, 2022
Returns to practice Wednesday
Thomas (ankle/foot) was back at practice for the Hokies on Wednesday, although he was not a full participant, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas was seen moving gingerly with a limp, although he was in uniform. The sophomore running back is in line to be the starter when he returns from injury.
Aug 30, 2022
Out Friday
Thomas (undisclosed) will miss Friday's season-opener against Old Dominion, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas will remain week-to-week with an undisclosed injury. The sophomore running back appeared in 10 games last season, logging 440 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 93 attempts. Thomas appears poised to take on a larger share of the backfield in 2022, but for now Virginia Tech will need to rely on Keshawn King and Chance Black among other depth pieces.
Aug 25, 2022
Still week-to-week
Thomas (undisclosed) is considered week-to-week, The Roanoke Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Virginia Tech has a pair of notable injuries in the backfield with Thomas and Jalen Holston sidelined for the time being. The Hokies kick off Sept. 2 against Old Dominion, and Thomas' status should come into focus during the game-week practices. If he's unavailable, the Hokies will have to utilize depth options like Keshawn King or Chance Black.
Aug 18, 2022
Considered week-to-week
Thomas has suffered an injury is week-by-week, Andy Bitter of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
After being unavailable for a couple of practices, it has been revealed that Thomas suffered an undisclosed injury. With the start of the season drawing close, this is not the news the Hokies wished to hear about one of their top running backs. Thomas rushed for 440 yards and three touchdowns last season, and will hope to be able to contribute on the field for Virginia Tech's opening game.
Aug 16, 2022
Missed two practices
Thomas missed a couple of practices after being marked as "unavailable", Michael Niziolek of The Roanoke Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas missed Virginia Tech's Fan Day and was also unavailable for a few practices, but the reason for these absences is currently unknown. The sophomore was reported as being close to earning the top running back position, but the time he is missing could potentially impact his spot.
Aug 10, 2022
Close to earning RB1 spot
Thomas is competing with Jalen Holston for the starting RB position, Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.
ANALYSIS
Thomas had the second-most yards of any the Hokies' running backs last season with 440 and is looking to earn the top spot this season. Thomas is competing with Jalen Holston but both players are looking strong this fall.
Nov 21, 2021
Little use in loss to Miami
Thomas had seven carries for 39 yards in Saturday's 38-26 loss to Miami.
ANALYSIS
Thomas didn't get much action on Saturday as quarterbacks Braxton Burmeister and Connor Blumrick dominated the rushing attack.
Nov 15, 2021
Dinged up in Duke game
Thomas was a bit dinged up after the Duke game on Saturday, Michael Niziolek of The Roanoke Times reports.
ANALYSIS
It doesn't sound like anything overly serious, but it did give a few more carries to Keshawn King. Coach Fuente thinks the team has a good handle on the running back rotation which should see action by Thomas, King, and Raheem Blackshear.
Nov 7, 2021
Leading rusher in loss to BC
Thomas had 13 carries for 70 yards in Friday's 17-3 loss to Boston College.
ANALYSIS
Since bursting on the scene against Syracuse Thomas has taken over the lead back role for the Hokies. Thomas has now led Virginia Tech in rushing in four straight games.
Oct 31, 2021
Leading rusher in win
Thomas had 25 carries for 103 yards in Saturday's 26-17 win over Georgia Tech.
ANALYSIS
Thomas followed up his breakout game against Syracuse with another 100-yard rushing game against Georgia Tech. Thomas looks to have taken over lead duties from Raheem Blackshear as he has now led the team in carries in back-to-back games.
Oct 24, 2021
Three touchdowns in loss
Thomas had 21 carries for 151 yards and three touchdowns in Saturday's 41-36 loss to Syracuse.
ANALYSIS
Thomas saw his highest workload on Saturday as his high coming into the game was just six carries. Thomas got an increase in his work as he gashed the Syracuse defense for 7.2 yards per carry including a 47-yard touchdown run.
Download the app