When running back Jahiem White was tackled against Ohio, you didn’t have to be a doctor to see that it didn’t look good. Even Rich Rodriguez didn’t like what he saw from the sideline.

Rodriguez announced on his radio show that White and wide receiver Jaden Bray were both out for the season with injuries and need to have surgery. In Week 2, WVU lost two of its best players.

“Unfortunately, somebody else is going to take their place for this year,” Rodriguez said. “We’ve got a lot of candidates. It’s that a lot of them haven’t played a lot.”

Losing Bray obviously isn’t ideal, but WVU’s wide receiver room is pretty deep. Cam Vaughn’s made a big impact already, leading with 170 yards. Rodriguez also mentioned on his radio show that Idaho State transfer Jeff Weimer, who was declared eligible to play this season, Jacksonville State transfer Justin Smith-Brown and returner Preston Fox will have bigger roles.

“At wide out, Preston Fox has played some,” Rodriguez said. “We got some other guys we brought in. They’re gonna get an opportunity to play as well.”

White was a bigger loss. Running back is a big part of Rodriguez’s offensive scheme, and White was on pace for another big year after leading the team in rushing in 2025. He’s an older back, so replacing him is going to be difficult.

Rodriguez has a lot of options, and he’s not set on one, yet. With a lot of options, Rodriguez didn’t want to call the plan to be running back by committee.

The first candidate would be backup running back Clay Ash. Ash took second-string reps behind White in both games and took over as the full-time back once White went down. He hasn’t been super productive, rushing nine times for 25 yards.

“Clay’s played pretty well,” Rodriguez said. “He’s a tough competitor. He’s done a good job of learning, learning our stuff, and so I’ve been really pleased. He’s earned the right to play some obviously.”

There are a couple of backs that haven’t seen too much playing time, but there was excitement when Rodriguez added a couple of them in the portal. Running back Cyncir Bowers is one of them. Bowers came in late during the Robert Morris game, when Jaylen Henderson was at quarterback. Bowers broke off a 26-yard touchdown. Against Ohio, Bowers rushed just once for a 1-yard loss.

“Cyncir is one of the fastest guys on the team,” Rodriguez said. “Again, is still learning everything that we’re doing, but I think he’s got a chance to play a lot of football. He’s played a little bit, but I think every week, he gets a little bit more comfortable. He’s a good football player.”

There’s also returner Diore Hubbard. Hubbard hasn’t played at all this season, but Rodriguez said he could play now that White’s done.

“He’s got some speed, and he’s got good ability,” Rodriguez said. “I think he was still learning a little bit. He’s been banged up somewhat at the beginning of camp, setting him back a little bit.”

Running back Kannon Katzer, who transferred in from Ferris State, is also still battling injuries. Rodriguez said he could be back practicing this week.

Luckily for Rodriguez, he kind of already planned for an injury. Earlier in camp, Rodriguez added a couple of “waiver wire” running backs, Tyler Jacklish and Andre Devine, late because the running back room was so banged up. Now, even without White, there are still seven other rushers on the roster.

The only question is what back will be the “guy,” and Rodriguez is still figuring that out.

“They’re all going to be pushed into a bigger role with the starter, Jahiem, being out,” Rodriguez said. “They’ll be OK.”