Alabama State and Jackson State are facing uncertain weeks at the most important position on the field, with the health of quarterbacks Andrew Body and Jared Lockhart.
Alabama State coach Eddie Robinson Jr. said Body will be evaluated by doctors this week to assess his recovery and determine the next steps in his return-to-play process.
Robinson expressed hope that the evaluation would bring encouraging news but stopped short of offering a timetable for the quarterback’s return.
The Hornets have already had to adjust without Body, who has been dealing with a left wrist injury that has kept him out of action.
Freshman quarterback Aaron Frye has taken over in his absence, including Alabama State’s heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Florida A&M. Frye completed 10 of 15 passes for 107 yards and threw an interception as the Hornets surrendered a late lead.
Body’s availability remains particularly important for a Hornets offense that relies on his ability to create plays through the air and on the ground. Last season, he earned SWAC Offensive Player of the Year honors while throwing for 1,770 yards and 20 touchdowns and rushing for 518 yards and four scores.
What’s going on with Jared Lockhart?
Jackson State is dealing with a similar situation, but it doesn’t appear as serious after Lockhart injured his lower back during Saturday’s 45-38 loss to Grambling State.
Tigers coach T.C. Taylor said Monday Lockhart was scheduled to be further examined. Although the quarterback appeared to be moving better the day after the game, Taylor emphasized the importance of caution before determining whether he could practice or play this week ahead of the team’s homecoming game versus Florida A&M.
“He got on the bus after the game. He rode back,” Taylor said. “I know yesterday (Sunday) was moving around well.”
Taylor said he wanted the medical staff to evaluate Lockhart and determine how well he could move before the team made any decisions about his practice status.
Lockhart was injured on the final play of the first half against Grambling, leaving Jackson State to finish the game with backup Caron Tyler. The Tigers remained competitive, but Tyler threw two interceptions after entering the game, and Grambling scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:36 remaining.
The loss was a costly one for Jackson State, which had entered the matchup unbeaten in conference play.
Lockhart had established himself as a productive leader of the Tigers’ offense, throwing 13 touchdown passes without an interception through his first five games.
