Callihan’s full Sports Illustrated press conference report quotes Rodriguez describing the injury as unfortunate because Weaver-Bomar had been playing well. Keenan Cummings’ independent summary for WV Sports also confirms the fractured finger, surgery and possible three-to-four-week absence.
Rodriguez discussed progress in the passing game during the same media session. Callihan reports that the coach has seen Mike Hawkins Jr. improve his touch on throws that he might previously have overthrown. Rodriguez believes Hawkins can make the required throws, but also said defenses can crowd the run game and force West Virginia to complete passes.
Arizona presents precisely that preparation problem. The school’s October 7 game preview says Rodriguez expects an unusually heavy blitz package from the Wildcats. West Virginia has averaged 294 rushing yards per game, but Arizona held Cincinnati to 74 rushing yards in its previous game. An absent receiver reduces one of the options available as Hawkins works against that pressure.
The official preview identifies DJ Epps as West Virginia’s leading downfield receiving threat, with 14 catches for 393 yards and four touchdowns. It does not announce a specific replacement for Weaver-Bomar or assign additional targets to another receiver. Those receiving opportunities will depend on how the offense responds to Arizona’s defense.
West Virginia enters 3–2 after a 45–42 loss at Iowa State. Arizona is 4–1. Saturday’s game at Milan Puskar Stadium starts at noon Eastern, with coverage on TNT, truTV and HBO Max. The surgery is confirmed; Rodriguez’s estimate leaves Weaver-Bomar’s eventual return unsettled.
