Florida State loses a key player in the Orange Bowl

In the first quarter, one of the Seminoles’ starting offensive lineman was injured.

Florida State will finish its 2023 season at the Orange Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Seminoles are behind by a touchdown in Hard Rock Stadium early in the game.

The squad began Saturday afternoon with at least 25 players missing from the roster on both sides of the ball. The Seminoles got a first down on their first possession of the game but haven’t done anything thereafter.

Florida State has also had at least one player get banged up in the opening quarter. Following a play on the Seminoles’ first drive, starting left tackle Darius Washington struggled to get back to his feet and had a pretty heavy limp while walking back to the huddle. Though he was able to finish out the possession, Washington was replaced on the next drive by redshirt junior Robert Scott.

Washington was examined by Florida State’s medical staff in the sideline tent. At one point, head coach Mike Norvell came in to check on his offensive lineman. Washington ultimately emerged from the tent to rejoin his teammates on the sideline. He was escorted back to the locker room after speaking with trainers further.

Washington appears to be out of the game for the time being due to a lower-body injury. Throughout the season, he has fought several injuries while starting at left tackle and center. Washington has appeared in 12 games this season, starting nine of them.

Scott will be taking over for veteran Bless Harris, who left the program earlier this month. Due to injuries, he has only made six appearances and played only 152 plays this season. Scott had off-season surgery that precluded him from participating in spring practice.

NoleGameday will continue to bring updates as they become available.