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Vanderbilt football injury updates: Christian James out vs. Hawaii, Darren Agu questionable

Vanderbilt football defensive tackle Christian James will not play against Hawaii due to an undisclosed injury, coach Clark Lea confirmed Saturday.

James will need a few more weeks before returning. The Commodores' 2023 season begins Aug. 26 against Hawaii.

Darren Agu, who suffered a dislocated elbow during a practice Aug. 8, is questionable for the opener, Lea said. Agu, if healthy, is expected to start at defensive end. He has not participated in practice since his injury, and though the Commodores expect that he will be cleared to play by the opener, they may opt to hold him out.

Linebacker/safety CJ Taylor, who missed much of the early part of the preseason with a soft-tissue injury, did not play in either of Vanderbilt's two scrimmages on Aug. 6 and 13, but he returned to practice this past week, making it more likely that he plays in the opener.

The Commodores have largely avoided season-ending injuries in camp, but two players will miss 2023 because of earlier injuries. Offensive lineman Jake Ketschek tore his ACL in February, and tight end Cole Spence tore his ACL prior to the start of the preseason.

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This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt football injury updates on Christian James, Darren Agu