Florida State could be in even more trouble at running back after interim coach Rick Stockstill provided a few injury updates. Wide receiver Devin Carter is much closer to being able to return to the field, and likely could see much more of the field against Boston College.
The positive news was accompanied by a far more disappointing bit of information regarding current starting running back Tre Wisner. In the game against Clemson, Wisner exited with an injury, and Stockstill confirmed that the running back is starting to work his way back to the field. Wisner has been participating, but his exact status for the game against Boston College is still up in the air.
Wisner might be the starter at the moment, but he began the season deep down the depth chart with players like Ousmane Kromah and Samuel Singleton Jr. ahead of him. Injuries to both starters and the dismissal of Gemari Sands forced Florida State to quickly promote Wisner up the ladder, which has brought on another problem.
With the third-string now the starter, Florida State only has two natural running backs to provide any sort of relief in Amari Thomas and Zay Parks. Thomas is the man the staff believes can take on a much bigger role within the offense, and he may have to take on all of the rushing duties if Wisner cannot play this weekend.
The time is now for Amari Thomas to lead Florida State's rushing attack
With Wisner progressing but still up in the air, there is a good chance he will not be at 100% even if he can play against Boston College. That means Thomas should be seeing much more of the field and potentially getting plenty more carries against the Eagles.
Thomas saw the most action of his young collegiate career against Clemson during the loss, carrying the football once. Thomas was on the field a bit but didn't touch the football much, which should change with what will be nearly a full week of practice as the starter.
You can say Florida State needs Thomas to step up, but that would be an understatement given the injuries the team has faced. Without Kromah or Singleton in the lineup, Florida State was already down to the third-string option in Wisner. Without Wisner, or even with an injured version of him that is healthy enough to play, the Seminoles have their back against the wall at the position.
This comes shortly after Thomas was already promoted to the second-string role following the injury to Kromah. Florida State appeared hesitant to bring Thomas onto the field early against Clemson, which is likely due to the limited practice reps he had up to that point. The injury to Wisner puts Florida State and Thomas in a tough spot, as the running back needs to be ready to play even without the same preparation Wisner previously had.
The game against Clemson was an opportunity to work Thomas into the mix, but that plan did not exactly work out. Now, a lot rides on the freshman being prepared to face Boston College.
If Florida State cannot get any production out of Thomas, that could be a serious problem not only against Boston College but also potentially for the remainder of the season.
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