One of the University of North Carolina football team’s key defensive linemen’s status is in question for a second-straight game.
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Defensive lineman Melkart Abou Jaoude, who was sidelined for UNC’s 35-3 win over East Tennessee State University on Saturday with an apparent hand/arm injury, is listed as questionable on the ACC’s initial availability report ahead of the Tar Heels’ matchup with Clemson.
Whether or not he plays in the game is the biggest remaining variable from an availability standpoint for UNC, as it is set to be without one of its key players on the other side of the ball already.
Freshman wide receiver CJ Sadler has been ruled out for the game, according to the availability report. Sadler and fellow freshman wide receiver Keeyun Chapman were involved in a traffic stop for speeding on Tuesday in Chapel Hill in which Chapman was arrested for concealed weapons charges, according to a police report. Chapman is also listed as out for the Tar Heels’ matchup with Clemson, according to the availability report.
Sadler has been one of their best young players through two games. The 18-year-old pass-catcher has played the third-most snaps among UNC wide receivers, per PFF, and has pulled in four of his six targets for 73 yards so far.
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Defensive linemen Viliami Moala, Vodney Cleveland and Jimmy-Phrisco Alo-Suliafu, as well as tight end Jordan Washington and wide receiver Carnell Warren are the other five ruled out for UNC. Linebacker Jordan Avinger is listed as questionable and offensive lineman Jonah Rodriguez is listed as probable.
Abou Jaoude totaled 10.5 sacks for the Tar Heels in 2025, and already has a sack-fumble this season after tallying one in UNC’s week zero win over TCU in Dublin. Abou Jaoude briefly left that game with what was declared a hand injury on the ESPN broadcast, but was listed as “day-to-day” by Tar Heels coach Bill Belichick after he missed Saturday’s win over TCU. Abou Jaoude didn’t dress and wore a protective cast/brace his right hand/arm.
When asked about how Abou Jaoude is faring with his injury on Monday, UNC outside linebackers coach Ty Nichols said “he’s doing great.”
“He’s involved in everything we’re doing,” Nichols said about Abou Jaoude. “No issues there. Yeah, we’re doing good.”
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