During Virginia Tech’s first practice today, trainer Mike Goforth entertained some questions from the media vultures about injuries. Here is the rundown ...

** The Hokies probably won’t have starting inside linebacker Barquell Rivers for the Sept. 6 season opener against Boise State. He tore his left quadriceps tendon during a March weight-lifting session. At the time of the injury, Goforth estimated his recovery time as five to six months. He should be able to return later in September, Goforth said.

That means the Hokies, at least for the Boise State game, will have to replace seven defensive starters from last season. Rivers’ likely replacement: sophomore Bruce Taylor, who played 57 defensive snaps last season, mostly in garbage time.

Still, Goforth has been encouraged by Rivers’ progress.

“He’s doing good,” Goforth said. “He’s been running most of the second half of the summer, especially second summer session. That’s a tough, tough injury. You’d rather have an ACL than you would that.”

Why?

“It’s one of the biggest muscle groups in the body. Has a very small tendon. When you tear that, you’ve got to repair it. You’ve got to take it slow. We’ve got a couple staff members around here that have had that happen to them and they’re amazed at where he’s at right now. It’s pretty amazing what he’s doing, to be honest with you.

“He can run. He can do drills. He’s just not up to his football movements yet. He’s right where we want him to be. He’s doing everything. He’s just got to refine it now. He’s just got to get back into football playing shape.”

** Backup offensive lineman Micheal Via, a center/tackle, had surgery in the spring to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Like Rivers, he won’t participate in preseason practices. But Goforth was more hopeful that Via could play against Boise State if needed.

“Michael Via is actually looking great,” Goforth said. “He probably could have passed his 110 [conditioning] test today. But it’s still a little bit early. I expect Via to be cleared by the first game. I feel pretty good about Via’s chance.”

** One other piece of news, semi-related to injuries: Tailback Kenny Lewis Jr. has decided to leave the team. Lewis was listed on the roster distributed to media today and was fifth on the depth chart. Lewis, who turns 26 in October, finishes his career with 175 carries for 657 yards and nine touchdowns.

He was the starter in 2008 before tearing his Achilles tendon in the sixth game. Several setbacks during his rehab prevented him from playing last season. But he returned in the spring, hopeful about reviving his career. That won’t happen now. Lewis, though, does leave Tech with his degree, having earned it in 2009.

** The guy who took over for Lewis in 2008, Darren Evans, was running today with no brace on his left knee. He tore the ACL in it last August and missed the season. Goforth said Evans has been 100 percent and “back to his old self” for the last month and a half to two months.

“He’s had a great summer,” Goforth said. “Great preparation. He’s gonna be something this year. He’s very confident about it [the knee] right now.”

** Wide receiver Dyrell Roberts underwent hernia surgery three weeks ago, and Goforth expects him to be cleared by Tuesday or so.

** Wearing blue jerseys (limited participation) today were cornerback Jayron Hosley (groin), inside linebacker Chase Williams (hamstring) and whip linebacker Alonzo Tweedy, of Hermitage (groin). All three suffered the minor injuries during the conditioning test and should be cleared to participate fully within the next few days at the most.

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