Giovani Bernard could play this Saturday against Louisville. Or he might not.
All that’s certain is that North Carolina coach Larry Fedora won’t talk about it.
The Tar Heel tailback has participated in practice this week, albeit with a brace on his left knee, and that would seem to point to a possible return to action. But then again, the prevailing thought was that Bernard would be available for last Saturday’s game against Wake Forest, too.
Bernard had said at last Monday’s press conference that he felt fine and expected to play, and going into Saturday’s matchup, he wasn’t listed on UNC’s injury report.
But running back A.J. Blue said he had been told last Friday that he would get the start in place of Bernard against Wake Forest. And he and fellow tailback Romar Morris had been told three days earlier by running backs coach Randy Jordan that they would be competing for it.
“Coach Jordan told us Tuesday me and Romar was going to compete,” Blue said. “And we was just gonna go balls to the wall, and whoever gets it, gets it.”
Now this week, Fedora and the Tar Heel coaching staff have made sure not to tip their hand yet again. Fedora has made it known on several occasions that he doesn’t discuss injuries, and with Bernard made unavailable to the media as well, his playing status remains shrouded in mystery.
Fedora offered just a brief update on his running back after Wednesday’s practice.
“He’s looked good, you know. He’s looked good,” Fedora said. “He hasn’t missed any reps. He looks good.”
So, maybe that means Bernard will play.
But, then again, maybe he won’t.
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