East Carolina says quarterback Kurt Benkert will miss the season with a knee injury that comes a week after the sophomore was named the starter.
The school says Benkert felt discomfort in his right knee after Tuesday’s practice, leading to further evaluation Wednesday morning. The school didn’t specify the exact nature of the injury.
Coach Ruffin McNeill says in a statement that he’s “disappointed” for Benkert “because he has worked so hard for the opportunity.”
Benkert played three games behind Shane Carden. He opened training camp in a three-man battle for the starting job against junior college transfer Blake Kemp and junior Cody Keith. Keith missed two weeks of drills with a foot injury before returning Tuesday.
East Carolina opens at home against Towson on Sept. 5.