WVU RB CJ Donaldson to Practice, Expected to Play Against Texas Tech

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – After much speculation last week, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown confirms that running back CJ Donaldson is expected to be back on the field this Saturday against Texas Tech.

Brown did make it clear Donaldson’s return does depend on practice this week, but that the freshman has cleared the concussion protocol process and has progressed well to this point. Brown also did admit he did not feel any sense of urgency to rush Donaldson back beyond just a concern for his health due to the confidence the team has in Tony Mathis.

WVU RB Tony Mathis Named Big 12’s Co-Offensive Player of the Week

Mathis earned Co-Offensive Player of the Week honors for his strong performable in the Mountaineers win over Baylor. Donaldson had to be carted off the field in Austin after sustaining a concussion following a knee to his head.

“CJ is doing well. He really is. He’s through the stages of the concussion protocol and doing well. He’s got a doctor’s appointment tomorrow (Wednesday) and, as long as everything checks out there, I think he will be back at practice when we start Texas Tech prep on Sunday. He’s doing well. I’m looking forward to getting him back,” said Brown last week.

He has emerged as a star this season despite never having played running back before and being listed as a tight end, had to be carted off the field in Austin after ensuring a knee to his head. Donaldson gave a thumbs up before leaving the field and it was announced that he was moving his extremities and responsive while being attended to at a nearby hospital.