Charlotte QB Chris Reynolds won’t start in 49ers’ home opener against William & Mary
Following a disappointing start to the season last Saturday in Boca Raton, Florida, the Charlotte 49ers will be without quarterback Chris Reynolds in their home-opener Friday night against William & Mary.
Texas A&M transfer James Foster was named the starter at Tuesday’s news conference, which will be his second career start after filling in for Reynolds in a 45-13 loss against Western Kentucky last season. Reynolds exited the Week 0 matchup early in the second quarter with an apparent injury to his left arm, and although he returned and played well in the third quarter, he’s been sidelined this week and is wearing a sling on his non-throwing shoulder.
Despite the offensive struggles against Florida Atlantic, head coach Will Healy and the 49ers are excited about Foster’s opportunity against the Tribe. Although an “upper-body injury” is the only update Healy provided on Reynolds, there is optimism that he could return for the Sept. 10 matchup against Power Five opponent Maryland.
“We are excited about James Foster starting for us,” Healy said. “Chris (Reynolds) is going to be one of those guys bugging me like crazy to go play, pull some miraculous deal and go play Friday night. But we want to make sure he’s healthy, and I think next week (against Maryland) will be much more likely.”
Foster completed two of his nine attempts in two quarters of action last Saturday, marred by multiple drops and inaccurate throws. The Tribe returns 10 defensive starters, including Charlotte native Nate Lynn, who recorded 12 sacks and six forced fumbles a season ago, warranting Associated Press All-America First Team honors.
Getting the rushing attack going and taking the pressure off Foster will be key if Charlotte is to stay undefeated in home-openers under Healy. The 49ers rushed for just 2.7 yards per carry against Florida Atlantic but should be at full strength with ChaAvon McEachern returning to the lineup this week.
On the opposite side, William & Mary prides itself on its rushing attack. The Tribe is returning its top four rushers from a season ago, led by Bronson Yoder and Donavyn Lester, who combined for nearly 1,200 yards on the season.
Linebacker Derek Boykins graded out as one of the 49ers’ best run defenders from Week 0, with an 80.9 rating according to Pro Football Focus. He knows Charlotte can’t replicate their performance from a week ago.
“Our spirits are always high. We know we didn’t put on what we needed to put on on Saturday, so that’ll never happen again,” Boykins said. “I promise you that.”
FAMILIAR FACE
While the 49ers are focused on correcting the defensive miscues and jump starting the offense with Foster under center, there will be an interesting matchup on opposite sidelines at Richardson Stadium on Friday night.
Healy will be coaching against his head coach from his playing days at Richmond, Mike London, for the first time.
Healy served as the backup quarterback under London in 2008, going on to win the FCS National Championship to conclude his collegiate career.
“It’s surreal. I have so much respect for him. He was a guy who came in in my last year at Richmond and we won a national title. I think when you go through getting to know somebody and that’s the light at the end of the tunnel, winning a national title in your hometown, you go through a lot together,” Healy said of London. “He’s been so influential in my life, not in just my coaching career, but in my life. I think it’s fun to compete against people that you love and you and care about.”
To prove that Charlotte can compete in Conference USA this season, it must avoid the trap game and win this contest decisively, setting the stage for Maryland at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
“It’s impossible to not feel like you disappointed people last Saturday,” Healy said. “Whether that be yourself, your family or your fan base, you want to play well. Nobody envisioned that happening last week. You hear the talk, but you’ve got to block out the noise as much as humanly possible. But you hear it. You want to inject positivity back into your fan base, and you want to make up for what’s happened.”
NOTES
Running back ChaVon McEachern missed Week 0 with an illness but is slated to be available Friday night.
Right tackle T.J. Moore struggled mightily against Florida Atlantic. He was penalized three times and posted a 46 pass-blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus, the lowest on the team. He allowed five pressures, three hurries and a sack.
Matt Rosso saw reps as starting right tackle at Tuesday’s practice.
Cam Newton’s brother, Caylin, plays wide receiver for the Tribe. Newton started his career as a quarterback at Howard, before transferring to Auburn in 2021.
Safety Marcus Robitaille and cornerback Lance McMillan will be sidelined for the foreseeable future but haven’t been ruled out for the entire season.
Defensive tackles Miguel Jackson and Isaac Hampton are both doubtful for Friday.
Cornerback Trey Creamer, who started 11 of 12 games a season ago, did not travel last week. According to Healy, “he is working his way into the depth chart.”