Florida State will be missing its top defensive back when it faces the nation's most prolific offense Saturday, but the Seminoles are thankful Derwin James' injury isn't worse.
The sophomore suffered torn cartilage in his left knee Saturday against Charleston Southern and was in surgery Monday afternoon to repair it, but coach Jimbo Fisher said an MRI revealed no structural damage.
James will definitely miss this weekend's showdown with No. 10 Louisville, which is averaging 66 points and 754 yards through its first two games behind early Heisman Trophy favorite Lamar Jackson.
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Fisher said the length of time James is ultimately sidelined will be determined by the extent of the repair doctors need to make to the cartilage.
"For him, I'm very happy there's no structural damage or anything of that regard," Fisher said at his Monday news conference, via the Tallahassee Democrat. "At the time, I didn't think much of it, I just thought maybe he had a cramp or something because we couldn't tell during the game, then they grabbed me afterward and said they weren't sure, but we'd get an MRI and make sure. Hopefully we'll get that worked out and ready to go."
James limped off the field early in the third quarter with the Seminoles leading 42-6. He eventually was taken to the locker room on a cart.
The 20-year-old had 91 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season and was named a Freshman All-American by Sporting News and other publications. He started the final eight games of the season for Florida State.
