Virginia Tech senior tight end Nick Gallo had knee surgery this week and will miss the rest of the season, head coach Brent Pry announced at his Tuesday news conference.
Gallo, who was voted as one of seven team captains, was injured on a non-contact play in August, going up to make a catch in a scrimmage and landing awkwardly.
He has the option of applying for a medical redshirt and returning for another season, though Pry hasn’t spoken to him about the possibility yet to see if there’s interest.
"Unfortunate for Nick," Pry said. "Our hearts go out to him. A guy that had a strong conviction to come back and be a captain and a leader, which he’s still going to have the ability to do that and he will do that. He wants to do that."
Gallo made the preseason watch list for the John Mackey Award after making 55 catches for 469 yards and a touchdown in his first four years at Tech.
Three second-year players are next on the depth chart, with redshirt freshman Benji Gosnell occupying the top spot on the depth chart. He made his first career start in his first college action Saturday against Old Dominion, catching one pass for 23 yards.
Dae’Quan Wright, who had one catch for 14 yards and dropped another pass, and Harrison Saint Germain are next.
Gosnell played 59 snaps, Wright 20 and Saint Germain 12 against ODU.
"It was a really strong room, I thought, with Nick and his experience and maturity coupled with those guys," Pry said. "I think now there’s added pressure. ... We’ve got to just bring those guys along a little faster. I really like all three of them. I think we’re very fortunate to have three young tight ends in the program like those guys."
Pry said Gallo’s injury will lead to the Hokies getting a fourth tight end prepped for action. That could be true freshman Zeke Wimbush or redshirt sophomore walk-on Cole Pickett.