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Sources: Boston College QB Phil Jurkovec to start vs. Virginia Tech after recovering from hand injury

Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec will start against Virginia Tech on Friday night, sources told Yahoo Sports.

Jurkovec broke a bone in his throwing hand in the first quarter of Boston College’s second game of the season, a win at UMass. He had surgery a few days later and hasn’t played since.

Jurkovec returned to practice Sunday, practiced with the first team all week and quickly returned to form. While there’s expected to be an adjustment with timing and rhythm, he’s clearly BC’s best quarterback.

When the injury first occurred, there was pessimism that he could play again in 2021. This turn comes as a pleasant surprise for the Eagles, as everything went smoothly in his recovery.

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 04: Boston College Eagles quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) rolls from the pocket during a game between the Boston College Eagles and the Colgate University Raiders on September 4, 2021, at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Boston College quarterback Phil Jurkovec (5) rolls from the pocket against Colgate on Sept. 4. (Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The return gives Boston College an adrenaline shot (4-4), as the Eagles have lost four straight and have yet to win a game in the ACC. They have the league’s No. 12 passing offense. With games left against Georgia Tech, Florida State and Wake Forest, Jurkovec’s return significantly improves BC’s chances of going to a bowl game.

Jurkovec’s strong arm should invigorate Boston College’s downfield passing game. Zay Flowers, an All-ACC receiver in 2020, has just two touchdown catches this season compared to nine in 11 games last year. He’s averaging 17.2 less yards per game this year (63.8) compared to 2020 (81).

Jurkovec, who is 6-foot-5 and 226 pounds, was considered an intriguing prospect for the 2022 NFL draft, and much of that buzz has dimmed since the injury. One scout told Yahoo Sports in August: “Jurkovec is like your favorite indie band’s favorite indie band. Every scout right now is buzzing about him.”

Jurkovec threw for 17 touchdowns, five interceptions and completed 61 percent of his passes last season, his first as a starter at BC after transferring from Notre Dame. He has three touchdown passes this season, all of which came against Colgate in BC’s opener.