Luke

Benson

Benson (6'4/240) appeared in 10 games for Syracuse this season, but saw just eight targets which he turned into four receptions for 17 yards. A former three-star recruit from the 2019 class, Benson posted a receiving line of 18/256/5 with the Orange, but will now look to continue his career elsewhere with his remaining eligibility.

Elmore (6'0/283) has been sidelined since injuring his arm during Syracuse’s October 23 game against Virginia Tech. Luke Benson stands to be the starter at tight end, but the Orange have been run-heavy for much of this season. Don’t expect too much in the way of production from the team’s tight ends Saturday afternoon.

Elmore (6'0/283), who missed time earlier this season due to an undisclosed injury, hurt his right arm during last week’s win over Virginia Tech. The senior tight end has his arm in a sling and is not dressed out for Saturday’s game. Luke Benson (4-17-0) has been more productive than Elmore (1-10-0) in the passing game this season, but neither would be described as prolific. And with the Orange leaning heavily on the run game, the tight end is more of an additional blocker than a pass-catcher within the offense.

Injured during the Orange’s mid-September win over Albany, Benson (6'4/240) has missed the team’s last three games. While his being on the field for pregame doesn’t guarantee that the sophomore will be able to play, it can be considered a positive development. Benson’s return would give the Orange a welcome boost in the passing game, especially with Taj Harris having entered the transfer portal last Sunday.

Benson (6'4/240) was banged up on the first drive of Saturday’s game, with team trainers taking him to the injury tent for further observation. The sophomore tight end did attempt to move around with a brace on his right knee, but appeared to tell the trainers that he was unable to do so. While Benson hasn’t been officially ruled out, he has been taken back to the locker room. Syracuse is already down its top target in Taj Harris, so losing Benson would be suboptimal to say the least.

Elmore (6'0/283) traveled with the team to last weekend’s win over Ohio, but he did not play. The senior tight end will apparently miss at least three more games, beginning with Saturday’s home opener against Rutgers. Elmore isn’t dealing with an injury, but this isn’t a team disciplinary situation, either. Sophomore Luke Benson and freshman Maximilian Mang are Syracuse’s top available options at tight end with Elmore ruled out.