FSU's Chris Thompson (23) sits dejected on the bench as the game against Clemson ends Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009 in Clemson, South Carolina. FSU lost 40-24. (Courtesy: Tallahassee Democrat)
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida State has lost two of its starters, both possibly for the rest of the season.
Tailback Chris Thompson, who has been playing with a stress fracture in the back, suffered two broken vertebrae on his first carry in last Saturday's 35-30 loss at Wake Forest, and won't be back this year.
Offensive tackle Andrew Datko won't play this Saturday at Duke and coach Jimbo Fisher says that the four-year starter needs shoulder surgery and also possibly out for the remainder of the year.
Thompson led the Seminoles in rushing a year ago, but missed much of the August preseason practices with back issues and was never able to get untracked this fall.
Florida State (2-3) hopes to snap a three-game losing streak at Duke (3-2) Saturday.
Associated Press