Louisville RB Maurice Burkley out for the year

Louisville has announced that senior running back Maurice Burkley will miss the rest of the season because of an injury to a lower extremity.

Burkley had taken over as U of L’s starting running back the last two games after Javian Hawkins opted out of the rest of the season. He had accumulated 180 yards and one touchdown this season.

This really, really sucks for Burkley, who had grinded for five years to finally see the field in a feature role. It should be noted that he does have the opportunity to return to Louisville for a sixth season if he chooses due to the NCAA granting all fall and winter athletes an extra year of eligibility.

If there is a silver lining to this, it’s that we’ll get an even more extended look at Jalen Mitchell, who in recent weeks has certainly looked like the running back of the future for Louisville. Hassan Hall is also fully healthy and should receive ample touches as well.

The Cards and Boston College kickoff at 4 p.m. on the ACC Network.