Injuries are an unfortunate reality of football.

But University of Dayton head coach Rick Chamberlin can’t remember the last time his team has had this many season-ending injuries. In Chamberlin’s 33 seasons as a member of the UD coaching staff, he said this one is unique.

“Last year, especially on defense, we were banged up,” Chamberlin said. “But the variety of injuries [this season] … appendicitis? Appendicitis keeps Brannon Dunn out for a while and then Howard Savage with (an ankle) fracture. Taylor Harris with a fractured vertebrae. Haven’t had ones like that.”

Harris only played two games this season before a fracture in his neck ended his season and has the redshirt senior wearing a neck brace for the next six weeks. Savage was one of the team’s top cornerbacks before suffering an ankle injury to end his junior season.

Dunn made it back on the field after missing four games due to an appendicitis on Dayton’s road trip to Pittsburgh to face Duquesne in the second game of the season.

Then last week, Chamberlin got the news that the team’s leading receiver, redshirt sophomore Branden Johnson, had a Grade 2 separation in his shoulder and would most likely be out the rest of the season

“He’s making some good progress here,” Chamberlin said. “It’s 50-50 for the last game.”

Throughout the season, Chamberlin has been telling players they are one play away from becoming starters. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Will Bardo said the running back position best exemplifies Chamberlin’s “one play away” motto.

Redshirt senior back Dan Jacob has missed time due to injury this season along with Harris. Their injuries have allowed senior Robert Washington and redshirt freshman Connor Kacsor to get on the field.

Washington is averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season with four touchdowns, second most on the team.

Kacsor has rushed for 369 yards on 35 carries (10.5 yards per rush) and five scores. He is also the first UD freshman in program history to run for 100 yards in three straight games.

“What’s impressive to me is the guys who have stepped up into those roles and haven’t had much playing time before this year,” Bardo said. “That’s really important to have guys who are always ready to step up. You never know when your time is going to be.”