Josh Eilert Provides Context on Battle’s Illness, Concerns About Edwards’ Wrist

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — West Virginia interim HC Josh Eilert provided context regarding RaeQuan Battle’s illness following WVU’s loss to UMass on Saturday. Eilert also showed concern for Jesse Edwards’ wrist which was injured against the Minutemen.

Eilert mentioned that Battle started to get sick following the TRO hearing that he testified in on Wednesday. Eilert added that Battle thought he ate something that turned him ill. Battle missed practice on Thursday, returned Friday and seemed on the positive end. Then on gameday, Battle’s illness got worse and was inactive against UMass.

“I’m not going to have him out there under 13 pounds,” Eilert said postgame. “I intend for him to play on Wednesday [vs. Radford].”

Battle was expected to make his season debut after fighting for months over his transfer eligibility. Eilert is still 100% in on playing him this season.

Edwards, who has played in all 10 games so far this season, injured his wrist on Saturday. During the second half, he returned to the game with three minutes left with it taped up. Edwards struggled on Saturday versus Josh Cohen but West Virginia missed his presence for a good portion of the game.

“It hurt not having Jesse out there and that injury to the wrist scares me,” Eilert said. “I’m praying that he’s healthy.”

West Virginia will host Radford next Wednesday, welcoming back former WVU guard Darris Nichols, now the head coach of the Highlanders.