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Miami starting defender to miss Hurricanes’ remaining 2020 games due to myocarditis
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Miami Hurricanes will be missing a starting defender for its two remaining regular-season games as well as UM’s bowl game.
On Tuesday, starting safety Al Blades Jr. shared that he is out for at least three months after doctors discovered he has myocarditis.
“As of last week, I was going through COVID protocols when doctors had some concerns about my bloodwork. After undergoing an MRI on my heart, I have been diagnosed with myocarditis,” Blades wrote on Twitter. “This will cause me to be out for a minimum of three months. It hurts not to be out there with my brothers, but I will always be a Hurricane. I’m looking forward to returning to the field in 2021.”
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, was in the news this year for its link to COVID-19.
Notre Dame and Clemson have clinched spots in the ACC Championship Game. Miami is looking to secure a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl. Manny Diaz’s Hurricanes are 8-1 and ranked No. 10 in the latest College Football Playoff Top 25 with games remaining against North Carolina (Dec. 12) and Georgia Tech (Dec. 19).
Many outlets, including SDS, have projected UM in the Orange Bowl in a likely matchup with in-state rival Florida if the No. 6 Gators lose in the SEC Championship Game.
Blades recorded 29 total tackles and 2 interceptions this season.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
